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If you’ve ever had a backed-up sewer, you know it’s not a fun experience. Raw sewage can come gushing into your home through the drains, leaving you with a huge mess to clean up. Sewage can seep through the cracks and cause a backup. In addition, tree roots can also grow into sewer pipes blocking them. But how can you know if your sewer pipe is damaged in the first place?
Signs You Have a Cracked Sewer Pipe
As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your sewer pipes. While these pipes are designed to last many years, they can eventually develop cracks and leaks. If you suspect that you have a cracked sewer pipe, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
Sewage Smell
You likely have a cracked pipe if you notice a sewage smell coming from your drains. Sewer gas comprises various toxic and flammable gasses, including hydrogen sulfide and methane. Because these gasses can escape through small cracks or breaks in your pipe, your home or office could smell like a sewer. In addition to being unpleasant, sewer gas can be dangerous if inhaled in large quantities.
Mold Problems
If you notice mold growth in your home, it could signify a cracked pipe. Mold loves damp, dark places, so if there’s water leaking from a cracked pipe, it’s the perfect breeding ground. In addition to mold, you might also notice water stains on your walls or ceiling or an increase in your water bill. If you suspect you have a cracked pipe, getting it fixed immediately is imperative.
Slow Drainage
Slow drains are a sign of cracked pipes. When water flows through a small crack in the pipe, it seeps through the crack resulting in slower water flow and, over time, will cause the pipe to break completely. Cracks can also form from corrosion or temperature changes. If you suspect you have a cracked pipe, you must call a plumber so they can fix the problem before it causes further damage.
Lush Patches in Grass
Lawns and plumbing systems are closely interconnected. One way to tell if you have a cracked pipe is by looking for extra green and lush patches in your grass. Water leaking from the pipe and seeping into the ground will cause the grass in that area to grow more quickly. In addition to an overabundance of grass, the ground in that area is always wet or soggy.
How to Deal with a Cracked Sewer Pipe
You wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of water rushing. An investigation finds that your basement is flooded. You quickly realize that you have a cracked sewer pipe causing a backup. What should you do?
First, don’t panic. Second, cracked sewer pipes can cause a serious backup in your home. If you suspect you have a cracked sewer pipe, the best course of action is to call a professional for immediate assistance. A professional has the expertise and equipment to handle any water damage situation, from small leaks to major floods. They will quickly assess the damage and develop a plan to mitigate the problem and prevent further damage. Using their state-of-the-art equipment, they will extract and dry your property promptly. Last, they will repair any damage caused by the water and help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.
