Sewer Line Leak Detection: Signs Your Pipes Are in Trouble

February 10, 2025

The sewer line in your house is one of the most vital plumbing system elements but often goes unnoticed—until it presents you with a problem. Repairing a damaged or leaking sewer line may involve huge costs, health hazards, and extreme inconvenience. Early detection of sewer line problems may save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. In this blog, we will look at the signs of an impending trouble with the sewer pipes and how to address these issues before the situation worsens.

What Causes Sewer Line Leaks?

Before we can look at the signs of a sewer line leak, it is useful to discuss what causes these problems in the first place. The more typical causes include:

• Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots are naturally attracted to the moisture and nutrients inside sewer lines. Over time, the roots may work their way into the pipe, thereby resulting in cracks or blockages.
• Aging Pipes: Old houses usually have sewer systems made of cast iron or clay that can corrode or crack over time.
• Ground Shifting: Any changes within the soil like erosion or seismic activity can cause the pipes to shift or break.
• Clogs and Blockages: Accumulation of grease and debris or foreign objects may throttle up pressure in the pipes which may then lead to leaks or even bursts.
• Poor Installation: Misplaced pipes just leak or fail.

Signs Your Sewer Line Is Leaking

Detecting a sewer line leak early can prevent extensive damage to your property. Here are the most common signs that your sewer pipes are in trouble:

1. Unpleasant Odors

The most apparent sign of a sewer line leak is the foul smell. Sewer gas has a specific, rotten egg-like smell that can seep into your home or yard if there’s a crack or break in the line. If you notice persistent bad smells, especially near drains or in your basement, it’s time to investigate.

2. Slow Drains

If more than one drain in your house is slow or clogged, it might be a sign that the main sewer line has a problem. Although a localized clog can sometimes cause a slow drain, the cause of a problem with several drains is likely a more significant problem in the sewer system.

3. Gurgling Noises

Strange gurgling or bubbling sounds from your drains or toilets can signal a sewer line problem. These noises occur when air is trapped in the pipes due to a blockage or leak, disrupting the normal flow of wastewater.

4. Sewage Backups

If there is any blockage in the sewer lines, the wastewater may get backed up into your home. Such occurrences are more common through toilets, sinks, or floor drains. One standard indicator you need to attend to your sewer lines immediately is when sewage starts coming through your drains.

5. Green Spots in Your Lawn

A leaking sewer line can become an unintentional fertilizer, and some areas of your yard can become unexplainably green and lush. Areas of grass that are noticeably greener or grow faster than the rest of the lawn could indicate a sewer leak underground.

6. Soggy or Sunken Areas

A burst sewer line can saturate the soil surrounding it, leading to soggy or sunken areas in your yard. They might also give off a stinky smell and attract pests like insects or rodents.

7. More Pest Activity

Water line leaks attract pests such as rats, cockroaches, and insects attracted by moisture and waste. If you suddenly begin experiencing more pest activity around your home, it may be related to a water line issue.

8. High Water Bills

A sudden and unexplained increase in your water bill without a corresponding increase in usage may denote a hidden leak in your sewer line. This symptom alone does not confirm that it is a problem of sewers but should be explored if it is found along with other symptoms.

9. Mold or mildew growth

Sewer leaks can bring excess moisture into your home and can encourage mold or mildew growth on walls, floors, or ceilings. This is especially common in basements or crawl spaces where sewer lines are located.

10. Cracks in Your Foundation

In severe cases, a sewer line leak can result in soil erosion under the home, which results in cracks or shifting. When foundation problems occur with other signs of a sewer problem, it is vital to treat this leak immediately.

What to Do If You Have a Feeling That Sewer Line Leak Exists

If you have noticed some or all the signs mentioned above, you must take appropriate action before more damage occurs. Here’s what you need to do:

• Call a Professional Plumber: Sewer line problems are not DIY projects. A licensed plumber can conduct a thorough inspection using specialized tools, such as video cameras, to locate the source of the problem.
• Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection: A sewer camera inspection allows plumbers to see inside your pipes and identify cracks, blockages, or other issues without digging up your yard.
• Consider Trenchless Repair Options: If the problem is confirmed, trenchless sewer repair methods like pipe lining or pipe bursting can fix the issue with minimal disruption to your property.
• Prevent Future Problems: Once the leak is repaired, prevent future issues. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, schedule regular maintenance, and consider replacing old pipes if necessary.

Preventing Sewer Line Leaks

While some sewer line problems are unavoidable, you can take specific steps to reduce the risk:

• Avoid Planting Trees Near Sewer Lines: Keep trees and large shrubs away from your sewer lines to prevent root intrusion.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Never flush wipes, paper towels, or grease down your drains.
• Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your sewer lines inspected periodically, especially if your home is older or you’ve experienced issues.
• Replace Aging Pipes: If your home has outdated plumbing, consider upgrading to modern, durable materials like PVC or HDPE.

This is a serious problem with the sewer line that needs to be addressed soon. Recognizing these signs early will prevent costly repairs and protect your home from harm. If you suspect any issue with your sewer line, don’t wait to contact a professional plumber. With proper care and maintenance, your sewer system will work well for years.

Call Plumber Now