How To Spot A Sewer Line Leak

An abundance of lush, bright green grass in your yard may look beautiful, but it could be an indication of sewer line issues. Sewage contains nutrients that feed back into the environment through your sewer lines, fertilizing it to make your lawn grow out of control.

Puddles on your property that haven’t seen rain recently are another telltale sign. Moisture from these sources can lead to mold and mildew growth in your home, posing health hazards and compromising its structural integrity.

If you’re dealing with a leaking sewer line, you can visit this website to schedule a maintenance check-in with reputable plumbing contractors in Manassas, VA.

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Your Water Meter Registers Zero

Source: freshwatersystems.com

An unexpectedly high water bill can often be the telltale sign of a hidden leak. If your usage hasn’t increased yet, bills suddenly start rising without explanation and leaking sewer lines could be adding costs you don’t know about without your knowledge.

Test for water leaks by switching off all faucets and appliances that use water from the meter, then observing if any digit on the far right of your water meter (analog meters typically feature a small red dial) begins moving, it could indicate there is likely a leak somewhere on your property.

Sewage pipes weave their way throughout your home, so a leak can spread moisture in any room of the house. If your floors feel damp and spongy or walls become discolored in certain rooms, this could indicate an ongoing leak that needs immediate attention or it could result in mold growth causing serious health risks if left untreated.

Wet Spots on Your Lawn

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Leakage from sewer or water lines into the ground and subsoil can result in sodden patches of grass that feel soft if walked over by humans, suggesting they have broken underground plumbing lines that need repair. If this happens to you, chances are good your sewer or water pipe may have ruptured and could be the source of your discomfort.

Lush patches of grass that seem greener than usual could be an indicator of a sewage leak as well. Sewage can act as an excellent fertilizer, and an improperly installed sewer line could supply your yard with plenty of it.

Puddles that don’t disappear when it rains can indicate an underground sewer line issue, so if they never seem to dissipate, it is wise to call in an inspector from time. Untreated broken sewer lines can lead to foundation cracks and sinkholes forming; professional plumbers can detect and address these problems before becoming more costly; plus, they’ll clean up any spilled sewage!

Wet Patches in Your Garden

Source: mybackyardlife.com

Broken sewer lines can be an unpleasant and costly ordeal for homeowners to manage, so if you notice lush green patches of grass in your yard that seem extra-green and bright, it could be due to rising sewage from broken lines fertilizing it and giving it that extra vibrant hue.

If sewage is saturated into your soil, it may soften and sink, creating sunken spots in your yard or pavers that could become visible.

An improperly functioning sewer line can pose a significant health hazard, making it essential to take swift action when discovered. A leak could encourage the growth of fungus infections such as Candida and attract pests that thrive in moist environments, like cockroaches, centipedes, flies, silverfish, and mold.

Furthermore, it could contribute to foul smells within your home, leading to headaches, sinusitis infections, and dizziness if left unattended.

Cracks in Your Foundation

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Cracked foundations need to be investigated and, when necessary, repaired by professionals. Cracks may form due to expansion and contraction of concrete, frost heaving, soil settlement, moisture infiltration, or shifting foundation issues; hairline cracks, however, are generally non-structural and can often be easily remedied using waterproof sealants.

Cracked exterior surfaces should be regularly checked and repaired as soon as they appear to avoid structural problems. Cracks accompanied by foul, rotten, or sulfur-smelling odors could indicate that there has been a break in your sewer line that is releasing sewer gas into your home and should be addressed as quickly as possible by professional inspectors and maintenance specialists.

An intact sewer line prevents rodents like rats and mice from invading your home, as their hunger for waste attracts them into chewing through pipes to gain entry to your residence. They’ll also find shelter in the moist, dark environment caused by the leakage of sewer water into your home.