5 Signs of a Collapsed Sewer Line

Woman holding nose because of sewer odors with a collapsed and cracked in-ground sewer line showing in background.

Sewer lines can collapse for several reasons, such as tree root intrusion and misaligned pipe joints. In any case, a broken sewer line is a cause for concern and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you put off a sewer repair or replacement for too long, you risk water damage, mold growth, and other awful problems.

It’s helpful for homeowners to learn the signs of a collapsed sewer line to identify the problem early on. However, it’s essential to recognize that every situation is different. The issues you encounter in your home may differ from your neighbors, so it’s crucial to keep your eyes peeled and consider every possibility.

Are you ready to start? Let’s go over some of the most common signs your sewer line is broken.

Foul Water Backups

Is sewage backing up in your shower, or water backing up in your sink? These issues shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, water and sewage backups are some of the most common signs your sewer line is broken.

The water and waste that go down your drains will intersect at the main sewer line. If your sewer line has collapsed, this water and waste will have no choice but to resurface in your drains, resulting in frequent backups.

Frequent Drain Clogs

Are you constantly dealing with slow drains? There’s a chance that a sewer line clog or collapse could be to blame. If you’re dealing with a clogged sewage line, the water traveling down your sink and shower drains will have nowhere to go. As a result, you may encounter frequent blockages or multiple fixtures clogging simultaneously.

Drain clogs can happen for many reasons, such as grease and food scrap buildup. However, you shouldn’t forget that these clogs can be one of the most common signs of a collapsed sewer line. So don’t brush off this red flag!

Soggy Green Grass

Does the grass in your front yard look greener than usual? Or maybe, does there seem to be more water on your lawn in recent weeks, even though it hasn’t rained? Believe it or not, soggy green grass can indicate that your sewer line is broken.

When there’s a crack or collapse in your sewer pipes, this can lead to water and sewage seeping into your lawn. Your grass will absorb the water and start growing at a quicker rate.

Smelly Sewer Gases

If you’re smelling sewer gas in your home, this can be one of the signs of a collapsed sewer line. On any typical day, you should never be able to smell foul sewage odors rising from your drains. These odors suggest the presence of collapsed or cracked drain pipes.

Visible Home Damage

As you can see, there are many signs of a broken sewer line that you should be aware of. However, a few other red flags are worth discussing — and they have to do with potential water damage inside your home.

For example, mold and mildew growth in your ceilings, walls, or floors can indicate a damaged sewer line. When a sewer line cracks or collapses, leaking water can get into your home. As you may know, wet conditions are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Cracks in your home’s walls and foundation can also be signs your sewer line is broken. You’ll want to address these problems ASAP to ensure your home remains structurally sound.

Schedule Sewer Line Services With the Pros at Tempo!

Sewer line problems can be a real pain to deal with. Not only can a collapsed sewer line disrupt your daily routine — but it can also put your comfort and safety at risk. Fortunately, there are many warning signs of a collapsed sewer line you can look out for.

Whether your sinks are draining slowly or your lawn is soggier than usual, turn to Tempo Air for a sewer line repair! Our sewer line contractors proudly serve homeowners in Dallas, TX, and the surrounding areas. Depending on your needs, we can help you with a trenchless sewer repair or a comprehensive replacement.

Have you discovered one or more of these potential signs that your sewer line is broken? Your sewer system deserves the best care. If you need to schedule a plumbing repair in Arlington, TX, or a neighboring community, contact us today!

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