Problems with your sewer system can be challenging to identify because the lines and pipes are underground. Still, if your system is in distress, it will eventually let you know. There are some common signs and symptoms of a problem with your sewer system, and knowing what they are will help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Clogs, leaks, and damage to the lines can all cause significant problems for your sewer system. The repairs may be simple, or the issue may require more extensive work. In either case, you’ll want to have the system looked at sooner rather than later. Putting off sewer system repairs can cause more harm in the long run.
How To Tell If Your Sewer System Needs Repairs
Keeping up with regular maintenance for your sewer system is the best way to prevent problems. However, these systems can still have issues at some point or another, either due to age, physical damage, clogs, or blockages.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, you probably have an issue with your sewer system that will require professional attention. Having the system looked at as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage.
1. Drain clogs and slow drains: If your sink, tub, or toilet drains seem to be getting clogged frequently and draining much slower than expected, it could be a sign of sewer system trouble. This is especially true if the slow drains are persistent across your home and not just in one drain.
2. Gurgling sounds from toilets: When you flush your toilet, or when it’s not in use, strange gurgling sounds shouldn’t come from the depths below. If you hear gurgling or bubbling or see bubbles coming up from the toilet, it could indicate a sewage backup waiting to happen.
3. Water pooling in your yard: If you see pooling or large puddles in your yard (especially when it hasn’t rained), it could mean your system is leaking underground or experiencing a backup. In many cases, you may also notice foul odors coming from the liquid.
4. Increased pest activity around your home: If you start seeing more unwanted visitors than normal in your yard or around your house, it could mean you’re having a problem with your sewer system. The odor from a broken or leaking sewer line may attract rodents, insects, and other scavengers.
5. Spots of lush, green grass: Most of the time, homeowners are happy to see their grass growing well. But a random spot of extra thick, green grass could mean you’re dealing with a sewage leak under the ground. Wastewater can act as fertilizer when it seeps into the soil, adding extra nutrients and making grass grow better in that area.
6. Sewage smell: If you notice the smell of sewage or a foul, musky odor in your yard, it could mean you’re dealing with an underground leak. The odor, combined with any other signs we’ve discussed, almost certainly indicates a problem with the sewer system.
Understanding Sewer System Repairs
If you experience an issue with your sewer system, it will need to be evaluated and repaired as quickly as possible. Ignoring a leaking sewer system or backup can create costly problems, not to mention it can pose health and environmental hazards.
Any repair work to your sewer system should start with a thorough system inspection. Some companies (like All Septic & Sewer) use specially-designed sewer line cameras to look for the source of the problem.
The lines often need to be cleared to remove a blockage or clog. Cleaning sewer lines can be done with a cable drain cleaner or jetting the system. For large debris or tree roots, cable drain cleaning may be the best option, while jetting is more appropriate for grease clogs.
In extreme cases, the sewer line may need to be replaced, or you may require extensive repairs. Again, working with an experienced professional will ensure you get the right type of repair work for your system’s issues.
Trust All Septic & Sewer With Your Sewer System Repairs
The professionals at All Septic & Sewer have decades of experience serving communities in King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties. They will be able to quickly and accurately diagnose your system’s problems and work together with you to come up with the best plan of action to repair your sewer system.
Whether the repairs are big or small, All Septic & Sewer will stand by you and stand behind their work to get your system back up and running as quickly as possible.
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