How Can You Tell if Your Sewer Line is Broken?

There are a number of signs to look out for that may indicate that your sewer line is broken. These can include less serious issues like foul odors, all the way up to extreme problems such as cracks in the foundation and rodent/insect infestations. 

As sewer line break can be a serious risk to the health of those in the home, it’s important that we carefully go over all of the signs that may indicate a bigger problem. 

1. Odor: If you smell gas or sewage anywhere in the home, this is a very bad sign. Healthy pipes should never release odors.

1. Backups and slow drainage: If every time you use a water fixture you encounter a backup of water, this can be a sign there is a break further down in the line. It is also a bad sign if water is persistently slow to drain out sinks or bathtubs. 

1. Mold: Moving into more serious territory, mold is an issue that should never be taken lightly as it can cause health issues for those on the property. Breaks in sewage can cause the humidity levels in the home to rise high enough to allow the growth of certain types of mold. Regardless of cause, is it important you reach out for assistance the moment mold is found for the safety of yourself and others. 

1. Septic waste in the yard leading to lush grass: If you notice an unusually green patch of grass, be aware that this may be a sign of septic waste in the yard. The sewage acts as a fertilizer and keeping an eye out for sudden healthy grass/plant growth can help you locate any unwanted bio hazards from a broken sewer line. 

1. Rodent/insect infestations: If you have a sudden influx of unwelcomed friends in the home, it may be an indication of a faulty sewer line. Rats are able to wiggle through any cracks in the sewage to get into your home, and if they can do it, imagine how easy the fit will be for cockroaches and other unwanted insects. Both rodents and insect infestations can be hazardous to your health, so it’s important to act quickly if this were to happen. Remember, while calling in pest control may seem like the best bet, until you handle the broken line the relief will only be temporary.  

What happens if the sewer line breaks?

If you’re unfortunate enough to have a sewer line break, there will be many issues to deal with. Water bills may spike as your water fixtures suddenly begin to back up and refuse to drain in a timely fashion.

Until the problem is located and fixed, you’re also likely to be subjected to hazardous waste, mold and often rodent/insect infestation. 

It’s important that if you suspect a break in your sewer line you contact a professional for help immediately to avoid these risks. A break in sewage lines can result in a plenitude of health issues, so it’s nothing to play around with.

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