Dealing with sewer issues can be difficult, particularly because sewer lines are typically “out of sight, out of mind” home upkeep and don’t require a daily or even a weekly inspection. However, failing to keep an eye out for sewer system problems might have serious consequences for the household. A sewage leak can cost thousands of dollars to decontaminate, because wastewater is highly toxic, presenting a significant health risk to everyone residing in the household. Let’s review the top 5 signs a sewer line inspection is required.

Gas or Foul Odor Smell in Your Home

If you notice gas or foul aromas coming from your toilets or sinks, this is one of the most common and apparent indications that it’s time for a sewage line inspection. A sewer gas odor in your bathroom or other rooms of your home could indicate that your sewer lines are not properly venting. This is frequently a sign that a crack has appeared somewhere in the sewer system, allowing air into the previously airtight framework. 

It’s critical to have a professional inspect and repair this problem as quickly as possible, not just because the odor is undesirable, but also because sewage gas can make you and those who are exposed to it sick if exposed to it for too long. In this case, sewer excavation may be required to fix a damaged old pipe; however, it could simply be as minor as a cracked seal.

Noticeable Slow Draining

A slow emptying toilet, sink, or bathtub is one of the most obvious symptoms that you need a sewage line replacement or inspection. A clogged sink or other appliance is a typical problem in the home. It grows more severe if it is not treated using regular drain clearing methods. Slow drains, such as clogs, and backups, can result from a problem with the main sewer system. Foaming is one indication of this, eventually leading to a full-blown backup. 

If your drains and toilets are draining slower than usual, it’s possible that your mainline is cracked or has tree root intrusion. If this is the case, replacing the broken line may necessitate a sewer excavation. It’s also worth noting that while entire chemical drain cleansers may seem appealing, they can accumulate in pipes and cause harm to the iron or PVC. If this happens, you could need new pipes rather than just a cleaning. It could be a clue that your sewer line is in a problem if you monitor it in several locations throughout your home.

Sewage Backup and Blockage

Clogs and backups, which normally start in the lowest open drain, are one clue that you require sewer repair. If you’ve noticed repeated backups in your sinks or bathtubs when you try to run water down them, it could be an indication that the sewage line is broken, and you’ll need a sewer line inspection to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. When sewer lines get completely clogged, water is driven back through the lines and into your property, resulting in backups. 

Tree root development, damaged pipes, grease, flushing of paper towels, other bulky things, or even clogs in the sewage system itself could all be contributing factors. A professional will be able to inspect the pipes via camera and identify exactly what is causing the problem.

Septic Tank Overflow in Yard

When you see septic wastewater accumulating in your yard, it’s one of the most obvious symptoms of a broken sewer pipe. While this may appear to be a clear issue, it’s crucial to remember that pooling isn’t always obvious. If you’ve seen patches of greener grass developing in your yard, particularly near your sewer line, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. 

A leaking sewer line can be a terrific fertilizer for your grass, but if left untreated, it can lead to pools and become a major nuisance. While this problem will almost certainly necessitate sewer excavation and repair, it’s critical to discover it early to avoid further damage. Septic tanks dwell only a few feet below the surface of the property, so if there is a problem with the lines, you will most likely see septic tank flooding quite easily. Any septic tank overflow in your yard is a health hazard for you and your family and should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Mold and Low Water Levels

Mold can form inside your home as a result of sewer line problems. A sewer line breaking behind one of your walls can cause such problems. It could be a clue that one of your drainpipes has broken if you observe quick mildew growth on a wall and the stench of sewer gas. This type of line locating can be tough to conduct on your own and can result in more damage than is necessary. 

While certain plumbing issues are doable on one’s own, this is not one of them. Low water levels, which are commonly caused by clogged sewer systems, are a strong sign you need an inspection. Any level of swings in your water level should be noted. If your water pressure drops one day and then rises the next, it could be an indication of more serious damage, and your pipes should be inspected to determine the exact problem.

Fixing Your Sewer Pipes

The cost of repairing a sewer line can range from $50 to well over $250 per square foot. The wide price range of sewer line repair is influenced by several factors. The sort of pipe you have, for example, has an impact on the pricing. Newer pipes are usually composed of plastic and are reasonably priced. However, older pipes, such as cast iron, might be twice as expensive as PVC pipes. Another key consideration is the repair’s complexity. A professional licensed plumber can tell you more about the repair during your sewage line inspection. They should be able to provide you with an exact repair cost estimate.