Nobody likes a collapsed sewer line. Your home smells like sewage, and your plumbing stops working properly. You may end up with expensive replacements that, more often than not, turn your yard into a muddy trench. If you suspect a sewer line collapse, pay attention to these signs.
Frequent and Multiple Backups
If your toilet keeps backing up without any known external cause, there’s usually a problem with your drainage or sewer lines. If all your sinks and your tub or shower are backing up, too, there’s definitely a problem with your sewer line.
That Unmistakable Smell
The smell of sewage. Even if you’ve never smelled it before in your life, you’ll know it the moment it hits your nose. If you’re smelling it on your property, that means there’s a leak somewhere. Sewer lines are meant to be airtight except for a couple of vent stacks on your roof, and all those stacks do is help push sewage downhill. Any other exposure points to a damaged pipe.
An Abundance of Wildlife
You may notice a particularly lush section of your yard that’s doing far better than the rest. No matter how much you mow, it grows back faster and taller than everything around it. This is usually a telltale sign that the sewer line running underneath that patch is broken. And the sewage and increased nitrogen and phosphorus are making a nutrient buffet for any plants above it. Nothing lasts forever, however, and your lawn can quickly die from overwatering as the ground turns swampy and starts sinking.
You may also have noticed a lot more uninvited animal guests on your property and in your home lately. Many rodents live in and around larger sewers. If there’s a crack in your line, they can squeeze through it and come out at a nice, clean house with plenty of food. Insects can also breed in the stagnant water from the leak, leading to upsetting infestations on your property.
Your Wall Is Cracking a Little Too Fast
Walls crack as foundations settle, but if your walls or concrete slab have a lot of recent cracks appearing, it’s often a sign that the soil beneath your foundation is eroding. A sewer leak is a probable cause if you have the other signs above.
If something doesn’t smell or look right, it usually isn’t. That’s the time to bring in a professional plumber with a special drain camera. They’ll show you just what’s broken and the best options to fix or replace the components that are causing the problem. When you need sewer line services in Levittown, PA, contact NexGen Plumbing & Drains.
