Homeowners rely on a functional sewer system to carry away wastewater and keep their homes safe and healthy. Unfortunately, sometimes things can go wrong, and we can end up with a leaking sewer pipe. Not only is this a major inconvenience, but it can also pose health risks and lead to costly repairs. Remember these ways that indicate your sewer pipe is leaking, so you can address it before it becomes a major problem.
1. Foul Odors
Foul odors are among the most common signs of a sewer pipe leak and can be hard to ignore. If you notice a smell similar to rotten eggs, your sewer pipes are likely leaking. Hydrogen sulfide gas is produced when sewage decomposes and is released into the air through the leak, causing a rotten egg smell. The odor can become stronger as the leak worsens.
Another unpleasant odor you may experience if your sewer pipes leak is sewage or waste. If you smell a strong, pungent odor that smells like sewage, your sewer pipes likely have a significant leak. The smell can also be present outside your home or property, making it difficult to identify the exact location of the leak. If you notice this smell, acting fast and contacting a professional plumber to assess the situation is important.
It’s important to note that foul odors alone are not always a definitive sign of a sewer pipe leak, as other issues like dry drain traps or blocked vents can also cause unpleasant odors. However, suppose you notice a persistent, unpleasant odor that doesn’t go away with common solutions like cleaning or unclogging your drains. In that case, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to identify and fix the issue.
2. Slow Drains
Leaking pipes can cause debris and sediment to accumulate, leading to clogs and blockages that restrict water flow in your pipes. As a result, water and waste may take longer to drain from your sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures.
If your drains are slower than usual, it’s important to investigate the issue further. First, use a plunger or drain snake to clear any clogs causing the problem. If this doesn’t work, it may indicate a more serious issue with your sewer line.
Sometimes, slow drains may also be caused by tree roots that grow into pipes searching for moisture through the sewer cracks. The tree roots, in turn, cause blockages and damage. Ignoring slow drains can lead to more serious problems, such as backups and overflows.
3. Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew grow in moist environments, so if you notice mold or mildew growth in your home, it could be a sign of a sewer pipe leak. Inspect the basement, crawl space, and any rooms with a lot of moisture, like your bathroom or laundry room.
4. Puddles or Wet Spots
The presence of puddles or wet spots in your yard or around your home’s foundation, especially if it hasn’t rained recently, could indicate a leak. If the sewage leaks into the soil beneath your home, it can create a buildup of moisture that can lead to puddles or wet spots. You may notice that the grass around the area is unusually lush or green, as sewage is a natural fertilizer.
Attention to the smell is important when checking for wet spots or puddles. A foul odor is likely an indicator of water contaminated with sewage and poses a health risk.
You may also notice damp spots inside your home, especially on your walls or floors. If you notice puddles or wet spots in your home or around your yard, it’s important to call a plumber soonest possible to avoid further damage.
5. Pest and Insect Infestations
The moisture from the leaking pipes can create a damp environment in which pests like cockroaches and rodents thrive. If you notice increased pest activity in your home, it could signify a sewer pipe leak.
Besides attracting pests, a sewer pipe leak can cause insect infestations. Insects like mosquitoes and flies are attracted to the moisture from the leaking pipes, and they can quickly become a health hazard in your home. This is one more reason to check your yard for pooling water.
6. Foundation Cracks
A sewer pipe leak can also cause foundation cracks. If your home’s foundation has cracks, it could indicate that your sewer pipes are leaking. The moisture from the leaking pipes can weaken the foundation, causing cracks to appear. If you notice any signs of a leaking sewer pipe, it’s important to address the issue immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage can be done and the more costly the repairs.
7. Discoloration on Floors and Walls
If your sewage pipe is leaking, it can cause water damage to your walls, leading to discoloration. This discoloration may appear as dark or discolored wall patches near the affected pipe. You may also notice peeling, bubbling paint or wallpaper starting to loosen.
8. Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is another way to tell if your sewage pipe leaks. If you’ve experienced a backup in your home, it could be a sign that your sewer pipe is leaking and unable to transport wastewater away from your home properly.
While periodic backups can happen for various reasons, such as clogged pipes or tree roots in the sewer line, frequent backups should be a concern. If the backup is only in one toilet or drain, it may be an issue with a branching sewer pipe. However, if every drain in your home is backed up, it’s a sign that the main sewer line is leaking. In either case, it’s important to contact a licensed plumber to investigate the issue and determine the best action to fix it. Sewage backups can pose serious health hazards, so addressing the issue as soon as possible is essential.
9. Uncommon Sounds
Unusual sounds from your plumbing system can indicate a leaking sewage pipe. If you hear constantly running water in your plumbing system, ensure all faucets and toilets are turned off, and then listen again carefully for any trickling sounds in the walls or overhead. If you can still hear the trickling sounds, your sewer lines could be leaking.
Gurgling sounds arise when air gets trapped in the pipe due to a blockage or leak. This causes the water to gurgle as it flows through the pipes.
10. Rodents
Rats can squeeze through very small holes in the sewer lines and even enter your home through the toilet. If you notice rats in your yard or home, it might indicate a break in the sewer line.
We can help you with all of your home’s systems.Contact Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical today to schedule an appointment with our experienced plumbers. We specialize in sewer line repairs and replacements, heating, cooling, electrical, ductwork, indoor air quality, and insulation services, serving the residents of Glendale, AZ and surrounding areas.
