The sewer line is an essential unit regarding the health of your property. But, like any other part of a home, sewer lines have a life span and may have to be replaced down the line. It is indispensable to identify possible symptoms of a problem with a sewer line since a lack of intervention can lead to severe issues and a lot of expenditures.
The main symptoms are, for example, when the drains take a long time to drain or get blocked most times, the formation of bad odors, and the emergence of thick patches of green grass in your compound. Other signs include visible water marks or signs of mold on the walls and floors of your basement.
If these signs are unaddressed, severe consequences such as sewage backup and health risks may be witnessed. Here are some of the key indicators that may point to the need for a sewer line replacement.
Probability of Drain Back-Ups and Sluggish Drainage
A frequently noted sign that indicates the need to replace your sewer line is a drain blockage. However, if you discover that several drains in your home are clogging frequently, this might indicate damage to the sewer line.
Electromechanical clogging is caused by tree roots in the pipes, accumulation of debris, or corrosion of pipes. Whereas temporary clogging is easily handled using normal techniques such as using a plumber, constant clogging threatens the health of a home by implying the prevalence of a significant problem that can only be solved by replacing the sewer line.
Unpleasant Odors
Ideally, the sewer line should be absolutely sealed, so no unpleasant smell can come through the pipes and spread in the outdoor territory. The common sign of a problem is if you smell a strong sewage smell; this is a sign that there could be a crack or even a break in the sewer line.
Not only is this smell foul, but it is also dangerous to your health because bacteria and different gases may be contained in it. This sign, if not given due attention, could gradually escalate to pose higher risky effects, such as soil and water pollution.
Vivid Green Spots of Grass in the Yard
Overgrown green patches in your yard could indicate a leakage in the sewer. Spilt sewage contains nutrients and moisture; which make the affected region mightier compared to the other parts of your yard.
Foundation Cracks and Sinkholes
Extremely significant problems with sewer lines can cause damage to structures in your home. If the foundation of your house, the walls, or even the sidewalks crack up, or if there are patches of sinkhole-like formations that spring up in your yard, the sewer line might be in need of a replacement.
Also, a broken sewer pipe can bring water and soil close to your foundation, hence the instability of the structure and crack formation.
Conclusion
Homeowners should be aware of the indicators of a failing sewer line so that they do not have to go through extensive and expensive repairs.
Signs that you need a sewer line replacement include drain backups often, a foul smell, very thick grass in areas where there is heavy usage of the sewer line, cracks on the building foundations, along with sinkholes in some areas.