Denver Plumbing Experts Explain the Tell-Tale Signs That You Need Sewer Line Repair

Owning your own home is an exciting prospect. Each year, more than 5.34 million homes sell to new owners, but those new owners aren’t always familiar with the way their house was cared for by the previous owner. In most cases, it shouldn’t cause an issue. However, when it comes to your home’s sewer line, that lack of maintenance could become a major problem. No one wants to deal with sewage backups in their home. Though your residential plumbing repair expert in Denver can help you get your sewer line back in good condition, it’s always best if you can catch the problem before the damage gets too severe. Here are a few tell-tale signs that will let you know that you need sewer line repair A.S.A.P.

Your Toilet Is Gurgling
When your sewer line is in good condition, it sends the waste water away from your house without issue. The line is filled with water and everything flows through it smoothly. But when it’s damaged or in need of repair, air leaks inside the line long before you experience your first sewer backup. That air then travels up the lines to your toilet bowl where it bubbles up, creating a gurgling noise even when no one is using the toilet. If you hear this noise, call your plumber immediately. It means there’s an issue with your sewer line and that a backup is imminent unless you get a pro to clean out your sewer line.

There’s a Strange Smell
Luckily, sewage has a very distinct and unpleasant smell. Often, that smell will start to travel up your drains, into your yard, and throughout your home when there’s something wrong with your sewer line. Pay attention to the way each room and part of your yard smells. If you smell sewage, sulfur, or rotten eggs, contact your plumber. You likely have an issue with your sewer line. Once you get the line repaired, the smell should go away completely. 

You Have Wet Spots In Your Yard
Sewer line damage can lead to leaks in the line itself. When this happens, all that raw sewage will start to seep out through the cracks in the line. Unfortunately, this can take a while to get bad enough that you can notice it. But once it does get bad enough, you’ll start to notice puddles or wet spots in your lawn and landscaping, even if you haven’t watered recently. If you have a keen eye, look for greener, lusher areas in your grass that could indicate a sewer line leak. Remember, sewage acts as fertilizer and encourages growth of your grass. Though it can make your yard look brighter, you shouldn’t leave it unrepaired. Raw sewage can pose a serious health hazard to both your family and your neighbors.

Your Water Bill Keeps Going Up
Sewer line damage often results in leaks throughout your property. This is problematic to both your plumbing and your home. But it can also cost you serious money on your water bill each month. Take a look at your statements for the last few months. If your water usage (and your bill) is going up without you changing your habits, you likely have a sewer line leak. Call your plumber immediately. The issue could be due to your sewer line, but there may also be a leak somewhere inside your home. Leaving that damage unrepaired puts you at risk for mold and mildew growth as well as serious structural damage that could make your house unsafe.

The Water Level In Your Toilet Changes Frequently
Under normal conditions, the water in your toilet bowl should stay about the same. In many homes, it’s so consistent that you’ll notice a ring of mineral deposits that latch onto the porcelain. If you notice that the water level is changing frequently between flushes, you have a major problem building in your sewer line. In all likelihood, there’s a clog somewhere in the line that needs to get removed in order for your plumbing to work the way it’s supposed to. 

There’s an Increase in Pests on Your Property
There’s something about sewage that draws pests and critters to your yard faster than just about anything. The worse the leak is, the more pests and rodents will notice the smell. If left unrepaired, you could end up with a full-scale infestation inside your home. Take a look around your property. Do you see signs of rodents nesting in your yard? Have you noticed an increase in squirrels, rats, mice, and other critters running around the yard? If so, call your plumber immediately. The sooner you get your plumbing assessed, the sooner you can find what’s drawing them to your yard and stop it once and for all.

Your Drains Aren’t Draining Quickly
You rely on your drains to get rid of water in your sinks and showers. If they’re slow, it’s a good indication that you have a problem with your sewer line and need to schedule a repair appointment. When clogs build up in the sewer line, the water won’t be able to flow away from your home. This can result in slower than normal drains and standing water in your sinks. Whatever you do, don’t grab commercial drain cleaner and try to fix the problem yourself. Doing so could end up causing more damage to your water lines and puts your entire plumbing system at risk. When in doubt, call your plumber and let them inspect the lines for damage.

Don’t Put Off Sewer Line Repair
Sewer line repair is one task every homeowner needs to take care of as soon as possible. Leaving the damage unrepaired puts you at risk for more severe issues and even sewage backup in your home. If you’ve noticed one of these signs on your property, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. If the damage is mild, we can repair the line quickly, but if it’s gone too long and you’re in need of a full sewer line replacement, we’re here to help.