Common Signs of a Damaged Sewer Line – What You Should Know
Your home’s sewer line is a vital part of your plumbing system, quietly working behind the scenes to remove wastewater efficiently and safely. However, when a sewer line becomes damaged, it can lead to serious issues that affect your home’s health, safety, and comfort. At Real Time Plumbing, we take sewer line problems seriously and we recommend reaching out to our experienced team right away if you notice any of the following red flags:
🚽 Frequent Drain Backups or Slow Drains
If multiple drains in your home are slow, gurgling, or backing up, even after cleaning, it could be more than a local clog. Widespread drainage issues often signal a deeper problem in your main sewer line that needs professional attention.
🌳 Soggy or Sunken Lawn Areas
Have you noticed unusually wet, spongy patches on your lawn or areas that seem to sink or emit a foul odor? These are strong indicators that your sewer line may be leaking underground, saturating the surrounding soil with wastewater.
👃 Unpleasant Odors Indoors or Outdoors
A healthy sewer line should never produce noticeable smells. If you detect a persistent sewer odor coming from your drains, basement, yard, or near your foundation, there could be a break or blockage in your line causing gases to escape.
🐀 Rodent or Insect Activity
Damaged sewer lines can attract pests like rats, cockroaches, and flies, as they’re drawn to the moisture and waste. If you’re suddenly seeing more pests around your property, your sewer system may be the culprit.
💸 Sudden Spikes in Water Bills
While sewer line leaks may not directly affect your water usage, related plumbing issues like running toilets or frequent flushing from partial blockages can still lead to unexplained bill increases. When in doubt, it’s best to schedule an inspection.