When you have a leaking sewer line, you know there’s a problem that can bring all activities to a sudden stop. However, a broken sewer line may not be detected immediately. At times, detecting the problem may be weeks or months when your energy bills will have escalated.
Some signs may signal problems, such as an overflowing toilet bowl or a kitchen sink that won’t just flush away. On the other hand, an underground leak may take time before manifesting on the surface. If you have leakages in your system, it’s imperative to call a professional plumber to attend to the sewer repair. Here are common signals that you have leaking sewer pipes.
- Running water sounds
Have you ever been woken up by the sound of dripping water drops, and you thought you were in a haunted house? The sound of dripping water is more precise at night than during the day. No matter the time of day or night, it is imperative to follow the sound and find out if you left a faucet running or a leaking pipe at its best.
- Damp floor
If you wake up to a damp floor, follow the trickle to determine the source. Wet or moist underfoot may be a sign of leaky water pipes unless you’re sure that no one accidentally poured water there. If left unattended, the area may start growing mold that turns brownish and smells awful.
- Unpleasant odors
Odd odors from behind the sink, walls, and ceiling are a sure sign of prolonged leakage.
When water collects in one place for a long time, bacteria and molds begin multiplying to permit a foul smell. The longer the problem remains unattended, the faster the bacteria grows.
- Lawn and garden overgrow
Walk around your garden or lawn to notice uneven grass growth. Typically, the grass should grow uniformly. However, if you notice an area with lush green grass that seems taller than other areas, underground leakage may be blamed.If the leakage is severe or has been going on for a long time, there may be a puddle on the surface. Call a plumber to help you fix the pipes and inspect the rest of the line.
- High water bills
Your water bills reflect the volume of water consumption in a month. It is imperative to keep track of the average amount you pay. If you detect a sudden unexplained rise in your bill, you may have insidious water leakage. Inspect your house for any leaking pipes. Further, call a professional technician to inspect your home.
- Study the water meter
A water meter gives a reading for the volumes you use in your home. It should only run when faucets are open, and water is flowing. A water meter can help you detect any sewer leakage by doing the following:
- Turn off all the water points such as faucets, valves, and taps
- Watch the water meter pattern for an hour
- If the meter continues running despite turning the inlets off, you have a leakage within your line. Call a plumber to help detect and file the problem.
- Sewage backup and blockage
Anyone should be alarmed by a toilet bowl that refuses to drain after flushing. A severe blockage in the line causes sewage backup If you frequently experience a backup after running water down the bowl or flushing, you have a problem in the main sewer leading to the septic tank. This is because all the water drains to the centralized sewer line that drives the water to the mainline.
- Sewer gas odor
When water stagnates for a long time, the waste and refuse trigger the multiplication of bacteria build-up.The decomposing matter starts emitting a smell gas that soon reaches the house.
A clean, well-drained sewer is airtight unless there’s a crack in the pipes. Any time you smell sewer, you have a leakage in your pipes that needs repair.
A neglected sewer leakage can escalate your water bill and cause untold damage to the home. Unless the problem is a minor one, talk to a professional plumber to help fix the leak and save your home.
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