Red Flags: How to Tell If You Have a Main Sewer Line Clog
Many modern homes benefit from the convenience of “invisible” systems, such as underground plumbing. However, since these systems are typically hidden, you wouldn’t be able to check on them as easily. When something happens to the system – like, say, a clog in the main sewer line – the problem can go on for quite a while. How do you tell if you have a problem with your sewer line? Here are six signs.
Slow Drains
Sometimes, a slow drain just means a small clog has found its way deep into the pipe. However, if you find yourself using the plunger and finding no evidence of a clog, it should be a cause for alarm. When your sink or bathtub has been draining very slowly for no reason, it’s likely that a major blockage has formed in the sewer line. The blockage may eventually lead to a sewage backup, which no one wants.
Sinks, Bathtubs, and Toilets Backing Up
When you, for example, flush the toilet and the sink backs up, that means that your main sewer line is in trouble. This is because all of your drains count on the main sewer line to drain properly.
Unpleasant Smells
If you can smell sewage, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with your main sewer line. It may be a clog, but it can also be a crack. Main sewer lines should be airtight everywhere; if they’re not, the smell is going to leak out into the drains in your home.
Soggy Spots in the Yard
Are there areas in your lawn that are wet and soggy? That may be because your main sewer line has a leak, which is oozing sewage into your soil. This is also why wet spots in the yard can also lead to extra lush patches of grass. Since sewage contains natural fertilizers such as fecal matter, a sewage leak can cause your grass to get extra nutrients and become greener than the rest. It is important to note that, since sewage contains harmful bacteria, the leak that is giving your lard its lushness may also damage it in the long run.
Aside from extra lushness and wet spots, the moisture from a sewage leak can also cause the soil in your yard to become displaced. When that happens, the topmost layer of your lawn will begin to sink. If your lawn has indentations, your sewer line most likely has a crack.
Mold in Your Walls or Ceiling
Cracked or clogged sewer lines don’t just affect your drains; they also affect your walls and ceilings. A cracked sewer pipe behind a wall will cause moisture and humidity, which may lead to a mold problem. Mold is dangerous to your health, causing irritation to the throat and skin, among other health issues.
Sudden Change in Water Bill
If your water bill has spiked suddenly, it’s possible there’s a leak somewhere in your home. Whether it’s your sewer line or your main water line, you’d want to get that checked by a professional.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you can turn to expert plumbing repair in Woodbridge, VA. At 1 Stop Mechanical Inc, we offer 24-hour support. Get in touch with us today for a free quote and estimate.