5 Signs You Have a Damaged Sewer

Taking care of your sewer system is essential for the smooth functioning of your house. Sewers transport wastewater from your toilets, sinks, and other utilities to a treatment plant or an on-site septic system. Proper maintenance of sewage systems prevents waterborne diseases from spreading. A broken or damaged sewer system can cause structural issues, flooding, and foundation problems in your home. Repairing a broken sewer pipe can be expensive, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per foot. Neglecting sewer maintenance can lead to clogs, foul odors, backups, mold, and even damage to your home’s foundation.

There are five signs to watch if you have a damaged sewer.

1. Slow Drains: Sewer clogs occur when waste and other materials, like toilet paper, can no longer flow smoothly through your sewage pipe. These blockages can lead to slow drains or even water backing up into your home. Slow-moving drains indicate a deeper issue than a minor clog. If clearing a clog doesn’t restore proper drainage, the problem may lie deeper in the system. Having to deal with multiple clogs simultaneously suggests a problem in the main sewer line. While a single fixture clog usually involves only that drain, widespread blockages signal deeper issues. Addressing sewer line clogs promptly prevents further damage, such as cracks and leaks that require costly repairs.

2. Foul Odors: Airtight sewer lines should prevent odors from escaping. Foul odors in the sewer can be unpleasant and potentially harmful. If you notice a rotten egg or sewage smell in your home, there might be a leak in the main sewer line.

3. Sewage Backups occur when wastewater from your home’s plumbing system flows back into your house instead of draining away. When a sewer drain clogs, it affects all plumbing fixtures in your home, and raw sewage backs up into drains, causing health hazards and property damage. Most frequent causes of backups are debris, tree roots, or grease. However, backups can also occur when excessive rains overwhelm the sewer system or when your septic tank or drain field fails.

4. Mold Growth: Broken or leaking sewer pipes allow moisture behind walls, leading to hidden mold damage. If you notice mold growth accompanied by sewer odor, there’s likely a leak within the sewer line. Mold is dangerous as it creates health problems. For some people, it leads to a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, or wheezing. Burning eyes and skin rash are also possible. Individuals with asthma or mold allergies may experience severe reactions. Immune-compromised individuals and those with chronic lung disease can even develop lung infections due to mold exposure.

5. Damage to the foundation: A broken sewer can indeed cause damage to a home’s foundation. It can do it by soil saturation as excess moisture can weaken the soil and affect its load-bearing capacity, potentially compromising the foundation. The escaping wastewater erodes the soil beneath the foundation. Over time, this erosion can create voids, leading to settlement or sinking of the foundation. Water buildup due to a

broken sewer exerts hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls. This pressure can cause cracks or even push the walls inward. Sewage contains corrosive substances. If it seeps into the soil near the foundation, it can weaken concrete and other materials, affecting the foundation’s stability.

Remember, sewer lines are essential for proper plumbing, but they often go unnoticed until problems arise. Knowing the signs of a damaged sewer line can help prevent costly emergencies. Early detection and professional intervention can save you from extensive repairs and health risks. Regular maintenance and vigilance are crucial to keeping your sewer system in good shape. A well-maintained sewer system contributes to a healthier, safer living environment for you and your family!