3 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line is Clogged or Leaking

Sewer line clogs or leaks can be difficult to detect. After all both your primary and secondary lines are buried deep underground. If either line breaks or gets backed up from a clog, the result can be costly and even pose a dangerous health risk to those who reside in the home. The good news is that you will likely experience warning signs that there is an issue with your sewer line. Early detection saves money and further damage.

3 Warning Signs Sewer Line is Leaking or Clogged

1. Water Bill Costs Rise

   If you see an inordinate increase in your water usage and your bill rises for no reason you can identify, it’s a good idea to investigate for a leak. The price rise in your water bill will likely be significant. If you think about it, a leaking toilet can leak more than 1000 gallons of water a day. Think how much water would leak if you have a break in your sewer line. If you notice a high water or sewer bill that can’t be explained, call your landlord if you rent or a plumber if you own the home.  It also may be best to turn off the water supply to your home until the issue is diagnosed.

2. Backed up Water

   Another sign that the there is a problem with your sewer line is backed up water from a drain in your home, toilet plumbing, or water leaks in your basement or crawl space. Clogged drains can result from a number of plumbing issues but they are often an indication of a clogged or leaking sewer line. You may ask, what can clog a sewer line? Usually the culprits are tree roots. This is likely the case if you have an older home and some large trees or trees near the sewer lines. Clogs in newer homes can be from a number of sources including feminine protection products, paper towels, and yes, toys. Sometimes it is a Lincoln Log or Legos, and even plastic Easter eggs can wreak havok on pipes. This home owner in Mount Juliet found water in her basement. After investigating, the sewer line had broken as a result of the house settling. The pressure from the house settling actually caused a low area known as a belly in the line. The entire sewer line had to be replaced in this case.

3. Standing Water in Yard or Sunken Grass

   If you notice wet spots in your yard or soft sinking areas above the sewer line even when it hasn’t been raining, an underground line may be cracked.  You may also notice a foul sewer smell in your home and outside. Definitely call your local plumber when you have soft sunken grass and/or wet spots in your yard when everything else is dry.

Suspect a broken or clogged sewer line in the Nashville area? Call Fix It All plumbing or text us at (615)-568-5051