A sewer leakage is not something to take lightly. It can lead to a number of negative impacts on your health, as well as on the environment. Not to mention, since sewer lines carry harmful pathogens, letting the water gather around can give way to various bacteria-ridden diseases. Thus, it is of utmost importance to locate and identify the leak to avoid serious damage.
But how does one tell if their sewer pipe is leaking? For starters, you should keep an eye out for any signs of rodents, odd smells, or sounds. However, to find out more, keep on reading this blog.
How To Tell If Your Sewage Pipe Is Leaking
Given how dangerous a leaking sewage pipe can be, it is best to have it inspected by a professional plumber. This can help determine the cause of the problem, and if needed, you can get an expert to help with sewer line repair. To determine if your sewer pipe is leaking, look for the following telltale signs.
- Unpleasant Odor
Sewer pipe leakage is one of the biggest reasons bacterial growth occurs inside drains and pipes. This can lead to a damp, nasty smell permeating your house. - Creepy Crawlies
Water has a tendency to attract all sorts of pests. So, if you start noticing an abundance of cockroaches, silverfish, centipedes, mosquitoes, etc., you’re most definitely dealing with water leakage. - Damp or Spongy Floors
Since sewage lines run under your house’s flooring, if there is a leak, the accumulated water can travel up the floorboards or carpets. This seeping through can make your floors feel damp and spongy at times. - Evergreen Lawn Indentations
If grass starts growing in a barren area, it is bound to raise some concerns. With a leaking sewer pipe, it is common for lush green grass to sprout in the area that has the most water retention. - Off-the-chart Water Bill
A sudden spike in your water bill is yet another giveaway that something is wrong. - Drop in Water Pressure
Similarly, a drop in the water pressure should be looked into. The issue might sometimes be caused by your water supplier, but if the water pressure remains low at every tap in the household, it could very well be due to a leaking pipe. - Odd Sounds
If you hear sounds of trickling or dripping water, but all the taps in your house are closed, it could serve as yet another indicator of a sewer pipe leakage. - Poor Drainage
When the water in your kitchen sink or shower stall doesn’t drain as quickly, it’s common to brush it off as food or hair blockage. However, if you’re facing drainage issues all over your house, it might be a cause for serious concern. - Water Meter Keeps Running
If your water lines are closed, but the needle on the water meter keeps flickering, there is definitely a fault pipe at play. - Change in Water Color
The slightest change in your running water should be an indication enough that something is not quite right. The water flowing through a broken sewer pipe is often infested with all kinds of germs and bacteria.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a leaking sewer pipe can be a serious issue. One that can cause unpleasant odors, water accumulation, slow drains, higher water bills, and even damage to your lawn. This is why it’s important to be able to tell the signs of a leak and to have it inspected by a professional plumber to prevent further damage.
For more information, contact ER Ideal Plumbing at (281) 799-9694. You can find our skilled personnel at numerous locations, so feel free to reach out to us whenever needed.