Top 7 Ways to Discover if Your Home Has a Broken Sewer Pipe

Sewer backups occur due to blockages at some point in the line.

A broken sewer pipe can be a disaster scenario for a home. If a sewer pipe gets to the point where it cracks or breaks, expect a ton of water damage and various other complications.

Fortunately, before the problem gets to the point of no return, you can mitigate a broken sewer pipe problem. In this post, we’ve rounded up a few telltale signs of impending sewer pipe issues that may help homeowners avoid huge issues down the line.

Backups and blockages

Sewer backups occur due to blockages at some point in the line. If there’s a backup when flushing or running water down the sink or bathtub drain, the chances are that the main sewer line has a block at some juncture.

If the backups occur regularly, the problem may be deteriorating or broken sewer lines due to root intrusions, cracks, channeling, misaligned pipe connections, etc.

Gas Odor

If there’s an unusual sewer gas smell inside your bathroom, elsewhere in your home, or around the building, there’s probably a crack in the sewer system. There is no leeway here – the sanitary levels should be airtight, so even the slightest damage needs to be repaired. The exception here is the roof stacks, which help sewage go downhill.

Mold

If there’s mold growth around the inner or outer walls, it can also be a telltale sign of sewage breaks. A home with mold growth should be looked at by a professional immediately. As with a sewage issue, an expert can help identify the root cause and create an efficient repair plan.

Slow Drain

If the drainage is prolonged, this is indicative of a blockage that is still in formation. If allowed to advance, the blockage can lead to a backup, which can cause additional sewage issues. In some instances, chemical drain cleaners can be very effective. However, if the chemicals can’t get through and end up sitting near the blockage for enough time, they’ll start eating away at the pipes.

Extra-Lush Grass Patches

When there’s a sewage leak underneath the ground, the extra water might cause the vegetation in the proximity of the leak to flourish. If there’s a patch of grass that’s particularly lush, this may be a sign of a broken or leaky sewer pipe.

Lawn or Pavers Indentations

An indentation in a lawn or under paving stones can be indicative of a broken sewer line. A cracked pipe will saturate the ground and cause soil dissipation, leading to a lawn or paving stone indentation.

Foundation cracks

Cracking foundation is among the most severe signs of sewage issues. In some cases, it can cause an entire home to start settling and even cause the appearance of sinkholes. This sign is indicative that the sewer damage is already progressing and requires professional intervention.

Dealing with a sewer break

Referring the problem to a professional is recommended, no matter which of these telltale signs of sewer drain damage appears within a home. Don’t delay responding; the longer a call to the pros is postponed, the worse the problem will get.

If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.