Your home's sewer line plays a very important role in managing household waste. Thus, it is essential to keep your sewer line in optimal condition to prevent major issues. Unfortunately, sewer lines can develop problems, and when this happens, you will need to call a plumber to make repairs right away in order to prevent extensive damage. The sewer line is buried underground on your property, so there is no easy way to see it without a sewer line inspection. This means that you need to know the signs of a sewer line problem so you recognize that their is an issue and contact a plumber in a timely manner. Some of the most common signs of a sewer line problem that requires repair includes the following.
Slow Drains
If you have one slow drain in your home, it is probably due to a localized clog in a pipe. But when you have multiple slow drains or more than one toilet that is flushing slowly, it usually indicates that there is something wrong with your home's sewer line. Don't ever ignore multiple slow drains or try to deal with the problem yourself by using liquid drain cleaners that you can buy at a home improvement store. The sooner you call a plumber, the better.
Sewage Smell Inside Home or on Your Property
When a sewer line is in good repair, sewage and waste flows through the pipe and is emptied into the municipal sewer system. However, when there is a blockage, whether caused by a tree root or a large clog in the pipe, sewage and waste will sit inside the sewer line because it is unable to pass into the sewer. When this happens, the strong smell of sewage will build up and begin wafting back up the pipes and into your home. It may also be possible to smell sewage outdoors in the vicinity of your sewer line. You should never smell raw sewage inside your home—if you do, immediately call a plumber before you have a sewage back up on your hands.
Unexplained Patches of Extra Green Grass
If a sewer line develops a crack, the raw sewage will seep out into the surrounding soil. When this happens, the nutrients in the sewage will fertilize the grass in the area, which can create a patch of grass that is greener and fuller than the rest of your lawn. Patches of extra green grass are not normal—be proactive and have your sewer line inspected if you notice patches of grass like this in your yard.
For more information, talk to a plumber near you.
