If we were to ask you what the most important part of your plumbing system is, what would your answer be? If it’s “my sewer line,” we’d be inclined to agree! After all, it has a big job of removing wastewater from your home and moving it into the municipal sewer system, safely and hygienically away from your home. Sewer lines are typically buried beneath the ground, in the back or front yard, where they’re safe from damage due to inclement weather or wear and tear.
That doesn’t mean they’re indestructible, however. Landscaping like trees and shrubs can grow roots that infiltrate the line, for example. A shift in the soil can create instability and cause your pipes to shift and break, as well.
If any of this does happen, all you have to do is give our team a call! But first, you’d need to know you even have a problem. Keep reading as we go over some of the most common signs of sewer line leaks.
Visible Puddles in the Yard
Unless you had recent rain or you have a broken sprinkler head in the area, you shouldn’t be seeing random puddles in your yard. If you are, there’s a good chance that you have a leaky pipe and the water is seeping up through the ground.
Green Landscaping
Okay, we hope your landscaping is always green when it’s the season for growing, but what we’re talking about here is when you see spots of really green, lush landscaping. What happens when you have a sewer line leak is that your yard and landscaping gets extra fertilized, to the point that it attracts the roots of the landscaping, which then infiltrates the pipe and makes the problem worse.
Slow Moving Drains
A single clogged up pipe or backup in your drains isn’t too uncommon for the average home in America. However, when the sewer line gets too backed up, it will leave all the drains in your home either slow or completely backed up. This isn’t something you should ever ignore as it’s a pretty clear indication that you have a sewer line backup.
Mold and Bacteria Growth
Leaking sewer lines can encourage mold and bacteria growth in your home, which can make even the healthiest family members ill. This is especially harmful if you have family members who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Cracks in the Foundation
When liquid leaks out of an underground pipe, it has to have somewhere to go. Naturally, it’s going to build up pressure, and this can eventually lead to damage in the concrete of porches and even swimming pools. It’s natural for an older home to have some small fissures in the foundation—this occurs as the house “settles.”
However, if you notice new cracks or severe damage to your foundation, it’s time to give us a call. Even if it’s not a sewer line leak, it could be a leak from the main water line or some other important underground portion of your plumbing system!
Reach out to Performance Plumbing today for expert help with your sewer lines in St. Louis, MO.