Originally posted on (https://talmichplumbingheating.com/when-is-it-time-for-sewer-line-repair/)

Installation of a new main sewer line costs an average of $ 2,976. This is a tidy sum to pay out of pocket.

The good news is that homeowners can avoid such high replacement costs by taking good care of their sewer systems. This includes ensuring minor issues are fixed before they become more serious.

But how do you know that you need to call in a professional?

There are many signs that point to an underlying problem with your sewer line. Here is how to know when it’s time for sewer line repair.

1. Foul Smell

If you can smell an unusual odor in your compound, your sewer could be the problem.

At times, you can smell it in the bathrooms and the basement as well.
This usually means the contents of your sewer are leaking out into the ground.

If this problem persists, be sure to call a qualified plumber to check your line for trouble.

2. Slowed Draining

Another sign of a sewer issue is slow draining.

As water drains from a sink, the shower or after flushing a toilet, you will notice that it does so much slower than usual. This will be the case in more than one area of your home.

If the slow draining does not improve with simple unclogging methods, this might be indicative of more deep-rooted blockages somewhere in the main sewer lines.

3. Fluctuating Water Levels

You might notice that the water in your toilet goes up and down from time to time. The problem could be a leak or a clog in your sewer line.

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4. Cracks

Check your house for cracks regularly. If you spot prominent cracks on walls or ceilings, your plumbing could have an issue.

The same applies when you note cracks on your outdoor slabs. Although not always, this could point to a problem with your sewer.

Yet another indicator of a sewer leak is hearing sounds of running water in areas where you typically shouldn’t. These areas include walls and under your house’s foundation.

5. Mold

Most homeowners attribute mold and mildew to rain damage or an HVAC malfunction.

However, if you can’t back up these claims, the next culprit could be your plumbing system.

A crack in your line can cause water to seep through. Dampness provides the best environment for mold growth.

Mold can pose a serious risk to your health. As such, call a plumber as soon as you suspect leakage from your sewer.

6. Plants Invading Your Sewer Lines

Your sewer line is a warm, nutrient-rich place that is favorable for plant growth. Unfortunately, vegetation can pose problems to your drainage.

The first way is that you will hear gurgling noises from your toilet.

Because the pipes are constricted, you will also get slower draining at first. If you ignore the problem and more vegetation sprouts, you might get a complete blockage.

7. Wet Spots

If you start getting mysterious pools of standing water and damp spots on your compound, your plumbing could be the problem.

With no other indications of where the water could be coming from, leaks in your sewer lines would be a good guess.

8. Extra Lush

If you have a leak in your yard, you can tell by the sudden emergence of lush green spots that are distinct from other parts of your yard.

This is because of the contents in your sewer function as fertilizer.
Aside from lush patches in your yard, wet grounds or indentations on your lawn also point to problems with your sewer.

9. Rodent Infestation

A sewer leakage might also attract rodents to your home. This problem will, however, not go away even with regular pest control measures.

If this is the case, a plumber can do a visual inspection of your line and check if there are leaks in your system. If your sewer system is damaged, they can then suggest the best repair or replacement options available to you.

10. Higher Water Bills

Water bills that are inexplicably higher than what you have been paying might point to a sewer problem.

The simplest explanation for this is a leak in your plumbing that increases the amount of water being drawn from your house. If you are conscious about your bills, you should contact a professional with haste.

11. Strange Occurrences

A sewer problem might cause water to back up from your sink or shower when you flush your toilet.

At this point, water might also bubble upon flushing the toilet. Once this happens, run water in your sink and see if it bubbles or rises as well.

This is a clear indication that you need to get a plumbing professional to look at your sewer system urgently.

Reducing Sewer Line Repair Costs

While repair costs are not as steep as replacement costs, constant repair costs can add up over time.

Here are a few tips to keep your sewer line clear and functional.

• Avoid pouring oil and grease down the drain
• Use enzymatic cleaners every month
• Be mindful of what you allow down the drain and the toilet
• If you live in an old house, with clay or lead pipes, have the lines replaced with new ones.
• Have a plumber do a rooter service at least once a year to ensure all is in order
• Keep shrubs, trees, bushes, and other plants away from your sewer line
• If you have to dig or do some excavation work, ensure its far from your sewer line, and that it’s done carefully enough not to damage the sewer line.

It is also important to note that napkins and paper towels do not disintegrate like tissue paper and should not be flashed down the toilet.

Is It Time For a Repair?

Does your plumbing system exhibit any of the tell-tale signs that it needs a sewer line repair?

If it does, putting it off for later will only make the problems worse, inconvenience you more, and ultimately cost you more in repair fees.

Talmich Plumbing and Heating is a trusted name among homeowners in Colorado Springs and its environs. Contact us for all the plumbing issues, and we will sort you in a jiffy.