A broken sewer line could create flooding and contaminate the groundwater. A damaged sewer line creates greater problems the longer it goes unnoticed, which leads to health issues. There are signs to look for to prevent a massive problem in your home from happening.

1. Frequent Toilet Backups

Toilets usually clog when you flush too much paper, but it shouldn’t be a regular occurrence. Large clogs can build in the sewer line over time, and flushing anything but toilet paper can aggravate the situation. Deep clogs cause frequent toilet issues and require our plumbers to repair them.

2. Slow Draining Sinks and Tubs

The drains in your home all connect to the main sewer line, and tubs and sinks are the most common to clog. Sinks and tubs can clog from debris going down the drain, such as food particles or hair. There could be a deeper clog in the sewer line if the drains are still slow with a filter.

3. Lush Spots in the Lawn

A broken sewer line will leak water into the surrounding soil, which can act as fertilizer for the plants. If you notice lush spots in your landscaping, investigate if there are soggy areas. Soggy spots with exceptional growth usually mean a sewer line break.

4. Gurgling Noises From Drains

Slow or clogged drains indicate a deeper issue, but gurgling is also a warning sign of sewer line problems. The gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your drains mean something may be altering the water’s path. One reason may be a tree root growing through the sewer line, and older homes often have this issue.

5. Foul Smells

Damage to your sewer line can cause foul smells to waft through your drains. Contaminated waste backing up into your home’s plumbing causes a sewage odor because it contains decaying organic matter. You should never smell unpleasant odors while showering or washing dishes. This is a cause for concern.

6. Foundation Problems

You may not think about your sewer line since it’s underground, but damage to the pipe can lead to other problems. Paying attention to signs of sewer line damage can help you notice the issue before it spreads under your home. Cracks in the foundation of your home could be from a leaking sewer pipe. These require the attention of specialists.

7. Pests

Sometimes, mice and insects can be a sign of a broken sewer line because they can squeeze through a cracked pipe. If you call an exterminator and the pests return, they may be getting in through a broken sewer line. Pests, such as cockroaches, carry diseases and can make allergies and asthma worse.

The damage from a broken sewer line can be massive and cost tens of thousands of dollars. Understanding the signs of a problem can prevent the sewer line issues from spreading to other areas of your home. If you need a sewer line repair or replacement in Antioch, CA, call us at Almighty Plumbing today to schedule the work.