Look Out for Leaking Sewer Lines
A leaking sewer line is a frustrating (and rather disgusting) problem to deal with. It causes other problems such as increasing water bills, backups, and the growth of mold and mildew—if ignored, they can build up and lead to expensive repairs and remediation. That’s why, when you notice you have leaking sewer lines, it’s important to find ways to troubleshoot it immediately. However, it’s not always easy to tell whether you have a leak or not. That’s why the pros at Leak Finders are here to share some of the telltale signs you have a leaking sewer line!
- Bad Odors
Your plumbing system is designed to ideally prevent odors. Each plumbing fixture has a trap, which is the bend in the fixture’s pipe. The trap retains a little bit of water, forming a seal and preventing waste from making its way inside your home. Plumbing vents connected to your water pipes will regulate water pressure in the trap and allow sewer gases to escape outside your home instead of staying inside. However, if there is a single leak or abrasion in this system, such as the sewer line, you will immediately notice an unpleasant odor. This is harmful to the residents in your home as odors and sewer gases can be dangerous to inhale.
- Slow Draining
If your plumbing fixture such as your sink, toilet, or bathtub is draining very slowly, your first inclination will be to unclog it. If you try all unclogging techniques (plunger, drain snake, baking soda, and vinegar, the list goes on) and your fixture still drains slowly, you might have a clog deeper in the sewer line. This could be caused by several factors such as tree roots intruding in the line, other materials obstructing the line, or cracks/leaks building up in the sewer line. Slow draining can obviously lead to stubborn clogs and sewage backup—tackle this problem before it becomes worse and contact your local plumber.
- Soggy Lawn
If it has rained or your sprinklers have recently gone off, it’s understandable that your lawn will be soaked. However, if you notice that your lawn is constantly soggy and has exceptionally green spots surrounded by a browning lawn, you just might have a leaking sewer line. This can lead to the build-up of insects and toxins in your lawn and, while you might like the greenery, it’s not going to be helpful for your landscape in the long term.
- Build Up of Mold
Mold is a fungus that is attracted to damp environments. Where there are mold and mildew, there is most definitely a leak. If you have wet spots in your ceiling, wall or floors, mold will find a way to grow in these areas and cause damage to your drywall and the foundation of your home.
Have you noticed any of these signs of a leaking sewer line? Call the pros at Leak Finders at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service online! We are Richmond, VA’s premier leak detection company, and provide top-notch service!
