A working sewer line is essential to a safe home. In Colorado Springs, sewer line problems can happen because of aging pipes, shifting soil, tree roots, and improper items being flushed down drains. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about sewer lines so you know what to look for and when to call a professional.
Table of contents
- What Are the Signs of a Sewer Line Problem?
- How Do I Know if the Main Line is the Problem?
- Why Do I Smell Sewer Gas in My House or Yard?
- Why Does My Toilet Gurgle?
- What Causes Sewer Line Problems in Colorado Springs?
- Are Older Homes Likely To Have Sewer Line Emergencies?
- How Do I Know if I Have a Sewer Line Problem?
- How Sewer Line Problems Are Diagnosed
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What Are the Signs of a Sewer Line Problem?
Some of the most common warning signs include:
- Multiple drains in the home are slow at the same time
- A strong sewage smell in the basement or yard
- Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet
- Water backing up into a floor drain or bathtub
- A patch of grass above the sewer line that looks greener than the rest of the yard
Recognizing these signs of a sewer line problem can help you catch issues before they cause major damage to your property.
How Do I Know if the Main Line is the Problem?
If only one sink or drain is slow, the problem is often limited to that fixture. If flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the tub, or running the washing machine causes a backup elsewhere, the main sewer line may be clogged or damaged. A slow drain does not always mean there is a sewer line failure, but repeated drainage issues throughout the home should not be ignored.
Why Do I Smell Sewer Gas in My House or Yard?
A sewer gas smell in the home may mean a dry P-trap, a damaged vent stack, or a cracked sewer line. A sewer gas smell in the yard may point to an underground line break. Sewer gas and sewage leaks can create health and safety concerns and should be addressed quickly.
Why Does My Toilet Gurgle?
A gurgling toilet often means air is trapped in the plumbing system. This can happen when there is a blockage in the sewer line that prevents wastewater and air from moving through the pipe properly.
What Causes Sewer Line Problems in Colorado Springs?
Some of the most common causes include:
- Tree root intrusion
- Aging clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes
- Ground settling and soil movement
- Grease, wipes, paper towels, and other non-biodegradable materials in the line
Older homes are often more vulnerable because many were built with piping materials that have already reached or exceeded their expected lifespan.
Resource: nashuanh.gov
Are Older Homes Likely To Have Sewer Line Emergencies?
Yes. Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have sewer problems because they may still have original clay tile, cast iron, or Orangeburg sewer lines. These materials are more likely to crack, corrode, shift, or collapse than modern piping.
How Do I Know if I Have a Sewer Line Problem?
The most reliable way to confirm a sewer line issue is to have the line video-inspected by a professional. While backups and sewer odors are indicators of a problem with the main line, they cannot tell you where the problem is, what the issue is, or the severity of the problem.
How Sewer Line Problems Are Diagnosed
A Professional Can Identify the Problem
The most reliable way to confirm a sewer line issue is with a sewer camera inspection. Signs such as backups and odors can point to a problem, but they do not show the exact location or extent of the damage.
How a Sewer Camera Inspection Works
A technician inserts a high-resolution waterproof camera into the sewer line through a cleanout. As the camera moves through the pipe, it records the condition of the line and helps locate cracks, clogs, root intrusion, offsets, or collapsed sections.
What To Do if You Suspect a Sewer Line Problem
Stop using water in the home as soon as possible. Do not flush toilets, run sinks, or do laundry until the issue has been checked. Continued water use can worsen the situation. You should also call a licensed excavating plumber rather than trying to diagnose or clear the problem yourself. Renting a sewer machine or using chemical drain cleaners can make the situation worse and may damage older pipes.
What if Sewage Backs Up Into My Home?
Keep children and pets away from the affected area. Avoid contact with contaminated water, and stay clear of electrical outlets near standing water if it is safe to do so. Shut off the water supply and call a licensed professional right away. You may also need a water damage restoration company to clean and disinfect the area.
How Often Should I Have My Sewer Line Inspected?
If you live in an older home with mature trees, you may need to have your line inspected every year or every other year. If you live in a newer home, you may only need to have it inspected every 3 to 5 years. It is always a good idea to ensure a sewer inspection is performed on any home you purchase before closing. No homeowner wants to buy a new home and then need a new sewer line a week later.
Final Thoughts
Sewer line problems can range from minor maintenance issues to major repairs that require full replacement. Knowing what causes these problems, how to prevent them, and when to call a professional can help you act quickly and avoid more costly damage. If you suspect there is a problem with your sewer line, contact Spotted Dog Excavating Sewer & Water Repair.