A Damaged Sewer Line: Signs, Actions, and Solutions

A damaged sewer line is no minor issue. If you see the signs of sewer line trouble, you should act quickly. Find out what you need to do when you suspect a break in your line, and who you should call for sewer line replacement or repair.

What are the Signs of Sewer Line Repair?

Before you can take action and call a plumber in Chicago, you need to know the signs of a busted sewer line. With this knowledge, you can act quickly to resolve the situation.

• Sewage Backup: One of the most common signs of sewer line problems is water backing up in one area of your home. If you flush the toilet and water backs up in a sink somewhere, you have an issue. There may be a blockage causing water to push back up your pipes.



• Foul Smell: Another sign of disrepair is a bad smell. Although sewer lines have all sorts of waste traveling through them, they have tight seals. No smells should be able to get out. If you do notice a smell, there may be a crack or hole in your system. The smell itself won't make you sick, but exposure to the waste could cause health issues.



• Slow Drains: While a slow drain could be a sign of a small clog in your plumbing, it could also be a sign of a sewer issue. The blockage may be deep in your sewer line, and that blockage could result in a crack in your pipes.



• Mold Growth: If a sewer line break happens, water will seep out and touch nearby surfaces. Mold thrives in moist areas, so those surfaces are likely to grow mold. When you see mold on your ceiling or walls, you need to consider the possibility of a broken sewer line.



• Lush Grass: Do you have one area of your yard that seems greener than the rest? If so, there's a chance that you have a sewage leak. Sewage fertilizes grass and other greenery. Therefore, a crack in your line will cause the nearby grass to be lush and vibrant.



• Cracks in Your Foundation: Unfortunately, cracks in your foundation are dangerous and expensive to repair. Typically, cracks are caused by excess water. If you find a crack, it could be caused by water from a broken sewage line.



• Pest Invasion: When there's an opening in your sewer line, there's an invitation for pests. Unwanted rodents and insects can enter your home through your sewer line. If you've experienced a sudden pest infestation, think about the source. You could have a break in your sewer line. In addition to dealing with your pest issue, you should also call a plumber.

What You Should Do

As soon as you think your sewer line is broken, call a plumber. There are a few reasons for this.

For one, a sewer line break is not a DIY fix. While you can use a plunger to unclog your toilet or a snake to clear a small clog in your bathroom sink, you can't take on sewer line repair. Typically, the work requires a permit and inspection. You need to know what you're doing, or your repair job won't comply with local codes.

Secondly, sewer line repair requires special tools. If you don't have access to those tools, you won't get the job done properly. You'll end up wasting time and money on a repair that may not work.

Finally, doing the work yourself is dangerous. If you hit a gas line, you could cause a fire. Your own home or your neighbor's home is in danger. Additionally, exposure to the sewage is hazardous to your health. There's a lot that can go wrong when you try to fix a sewer line on your own.

Do Your Research

Before you make the phone call, take the time to do some research. It would be best if you only worked with a reputable company. If you make the wrong choice, you'll end up with one of several problems. You could spend more than you need to, receive shoddy work, or be left waiting for an appointment.

As you look for companies, search for someone who has a track record of success. The company should have excellent communication and customer service. If you can't find enough reviews on a company, call them and find out for yourself how they communicate. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Most importantly, you should look for a company that offers emergency services. When a sewer line repair isn't done right away, there's a lot that can go wrong. You and your family members could become sick, or your home could experience damage. In any case, it's important to address the issue as soon as possible.

You should know that not all companies offer emergency services. Before you pick your plumber, look into the company's services. If they don't offer emergency services, reconsider your choice. You could be left waiting days or even weeks for an assessment of your situation.

Do You Need a Sewer Line Replacement?

After you call a plumber, you should prepare yourself for this question. In some cases, a sewer line repair is all that's needed. But it's possible that you need a replacement.

Unless you have training in the plumbing industry, you can't know whether or not you need a repair or replacement. Although replacement costs more than a repair, it could be more cost-effective in the long run. You should speak to your plumber to find out more about your options.

Who Should You Call?

If you find yourself in need of sewer line repair, you should call someone you can trust. Here at J. Blanton Plumbing, we know how important it is for you to have a quick and effective plumbing repair. Call us for your sewer line replacement or repair, and you won't be disappointed.