Clogged Drains and Foul Odors Begone: Know the Signs of a Broken Sewer Line
Brad GMBAccess • August 9, 2024
Clogged Drains and Foul Odors Begone: Know the Signs of a Broken Sewer Line
What is a sewer line, and why is it misbehaving?
Your sewer line is the primary drain channel to the city sewer system. It is supposed to carry all wastewater from the kitchen and bathrooms below and out of your house. Of course, like any pipe, your sewer line can clog or even become broken over time. Several potential causes of a broken sewer line include decades of rust, shifting foundations, or intrusive tree roots. However, the first sign is usually from your drains.
If your sewer line breaks, wastewater (sewage) can't properly leave your home. It may back up into the house or start leaking somewhere below. This can cause both health problems and structural damage, not to mention terrible odors.
How do you know if you have a broken sewer line and what should you do? We're here to help.
Causes of a Broken Sewer Line
There are four common causes of a broken sewer line. If your sewer line is acting strangely, any of these might be the reason behind the broken pipe.
- Old Pipes: Pipe deterioration can happen to any pipe. The pipes may crack or break. They may rust deteriorate and crumble. Some sewer line pipes are older and not all were built to last.
- Root Infiltration: Tree roots are aggressive. If they find water, they will enter cracks in your sewer line, expand, and cause the pipe to clog and eventually burst.
- Foundation Cracks: Cracks in the foundation can break your sewer line by shifting the alignment of the pipe itself.
- Ground Disturbance: Digging too deep and heavy tools can also put your sewer line at risk.
The 7 Signs of a Broken Sewer Line
What does a broken sewer line look like from the homeowner's perspective? While you can't see what the pipe is doing underground, you can spot signs that there may be a broken sewer line below your property.
- Slow and Clogging Drains: Your drains are slow and frequently clogged.
- Multi-Drain Clogs: The clog isn't just one drain, it's several. If you detect a system of clogs, the problem is your sewer line - whether it is blocked or broken.
- Gurgling Toilets: Gurgling toilets can indicate that air or sewage is coming back up the sewer line, which is not supposed to happen.
- Sewer Smell in the House or Strange Places: Sewer smell is often a surefire way to know something is wrong with your sewer line. The smell might come from your drains or unexpected places like the lawn or garage.
- Unusual Mold Growth: There may be extra mold growth where there is unwanted moisture.
- Soggy and Unusual Lawn Patches: If the broken part of your sewer pipe is under your lawn, you may notice soggy and unusually well-nourished or oddly colored patches in the grass.
- Insect Population Increase: Insects may also respond to extra moisture in the lawn or under the house. Watch out for new infestations.
Emergency Plumbing for Sewer Line Repair
A broken or backed-up sewer line is not just smelly or inconvenient - it is dangerous. If something is wrong with your sewer line, you can call N&J Plumbing for
emergency plumbing servicesin New Britain, CT. Our highly experienced and licensed plumbers are ready to back your property to a safe and functional condition with immediate sewer line repairs. Contact us any time, we are here to help.
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As the vibrant leaves of autumn give way to the stark, frosty landscapes of winter, homeowners in Connecticut face a unique set of challenges. Among these, the risk of frozen pipes stands as a silent adversary, waiting to strike in the coldest months. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to helping you, the savvy homeowner, navigate the complexities of winterizing your plumbing system. Our aim? To ensure that when Jack Frost comes knocking, your home's pipes remain unfazed, safeguarding your cozy abode from the grip of winter's chill.
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