There is a foul odor in your yard that you can not seem to put behind you? Your drains are gurgling or backing up with no explanation? What might be an annoyance could well be an indication of some serious business going on beneath the surface.
We at Almighty Plumbing make it our job to put homeowners and businesses in the East Bay ahead of any sewer line trouble before it becomes a mess. Should the following warning signs ring true, we would like to hear from you at (925) 304-1006. A family-run operation, we have been licensed and insured in Antioch and environs since 2019.
Of all your plumbing, the sewer line is perhaps the hardest working and the most apt to be overlooked. For the most part it is out of sight, doing its job of carrying waste away from the house. But should it begin to give way, you will see the evidence if you are looking for it.
Slow Drains Throughout the House
One slow drain is likely a clog in the fixture itself. Yet when a number of them lose their pace at once, there is something amiss with the main sewer line. It is a warning sign that is all too easy to miss.
Be on the lookout for:
- Sinks that are slow to clear
- Water pooling in the tub or shower
- Toilets with a weak or sluggish flush
- Drains that were just cleared and are already slowing down
- The sound of gurgling as water goes down
Should you not be able to remedy the situation by tending to one drain, the problem lies further down the line.
Sewage Backups and Foul Odors
You do not want to put off dealing with sewage that has made its way into your floor drains, tub or shower; it is a plain and simple sign of a sewer line issue and can cause property damage and health risks.
Then there is the matter of a lingering smell of sewage in the home or yard. A properly vented and sealed system does not let odors into your living quarters. If you can put your nose to it, something in the line is not right.
Strange Sounds and Bubbling
A good plumbing system is quiet. But a break or blockage will trap air and you will be hearing about it from the toilet or your drains.
Some things to note:
- Running a sink and the toilet starts to bubble
- Gurgles from a drain as the washing machine runs out
- The water level in the toilet bowl climbs with other use
- Unusual noises following a hard rain
Such sounds are indicative of water and air not making their way where they ought to.
Trouble in the Yard
Occasionally the telltale signs are to be found outdoors. Once you know what to check, a cracked or leaking line will make its presence known in the ground above.
Take a look at your property for:
- An area of lawn that is soggy or has sunk in
- Standing water for no apparent reason
- Cracks in the driveway or foundation
- A strong odor of sewage in the vicinity
- Grass that is greener and more robust than what is around it
Waste is a fine fertilizer so a particularly lush patch of grass can mean there is a leak below.
Frequent Clogs and Backups
If the plunger is in constant use, do not assume the fixture is to blame. You may be looking at a collapsed pipe, buildup or roots that have made a clog appear out of nowhere. In older parts of town tree roots are wont to be the cause, drawn to the moisture in the pipes and finding their way through joints and small cracks to impede flow.
Why Early Action Matters
These problems are not going to resolve themselves. A partial blockage or a crack now is a broken pipe or a complete backup in the making. An early intervention is typically less of an inconvenience and the repair is straightforward.
Michael and Javier Penate put together Almighty Plumbing in 2019 as a source of dependable service for East Bay families; our work is backed by multi-year warranties. We are on hand 24/7 for an emergency so there is no waiting around.
Do not let a minor issue get out of hand if you have seen any of these signs. Our team is licensed and insured and ready to come take a look. Call us at (925) 304-1006. We are in your corner day or night in Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Walnut Creek and all of East Contra Costa County.
