Many people notice sewer line leaks when their drains start misbehaving.
For these folks, the signs of a sewer line problem appear indoors. They take the form of slow-draining sinks, gurgling noises from drains, multiple plumbing clogs, or, in the worst cases, sewage backup in a drain.
But sometimes, sewer line problems show up outdoors.
Your drains might be functioning normally, but there will be certain indicators around your property (some of them smelly) that something is up with your sewer pipes.
These outdoor warning signs are often-and sometimes always-indicative of a sewer line emergency. There are five of them, and they are:
1. Curiously lush areas
One very common outdoor warning sign for a sewer line leak is an unusually green and tall patch of grass. Or if you grow ornamental plants, maybe a small area of your garden is curiously lush, vibrant, or rich in appearance.
Unless you can otherwise explain the difference between the lush area and the rest of your landscaping, there's a good chance you've got a sewer line leak.
Why does a leaking or damaged sewer pipe make your grass grow greener? Because there's a lot more water getting to the soil.
If there's any good news, it's that you'll already know what kind of sewer line problem you have (a leak) and where it is, more or less. But it's still a serious problem!
Your next best move is to call a plumbing company that specializes in sewers and drains to pinpoint the precise location of the leak. Depending on the cause-tree root intrusion in the sewer line, a bellied sewer line, or something else-you can review your options for repairing or replacing the damaged section of pipe.
2. Sinkholes
Not everybody has grass or a garden. And even if you do, your sewer line might not be kind enough to leak beneath those areas.
Instead, the pipe might decide to leak under a patch of dirt or underbrush. When this happens, you might notice a hole that wasn't there before.
As the leak becomes more severe, the hole becomes deeper.
A sudden, unexplained sinkhole typically isn't caused by itinerant rodents or alien spacecraft landings (that would be crop circles, not sinkholes). No, you probably have a leak in your sewer line that's softening the earth on your property.
As the ground saturates with moisture and stays saturated with it, it starts to cave in.
In more severe cases, you might also notice…
3. Pooled sewage
You might even smell it before you see it.
When a sewer leak softens the surrounding earth, it often starts to sink. As more sewage leaks out, a fetid pool or puddle of waste can start to form inside the hole.
Depending on the size of your property or how often you walk around it, this might be the first outdoor warning sign of a sewer leak that you notice. Folks with smaller yards or leaks closer to their houses usually notice lush grass before things get this bad.
But if you've got a larger lot that you're not in the habit of walking across on a regular basis, pooled sewage might be your first indicator that something is awry.
4. Foundation cracks
Ok, cracks in your home's foundation are not always a sign of a sewer line leak. In fact, there's a good chance they aren't due to sewer line problems.
But a leaky sewer line can cause foundation cracks. You don't want to rule it out.
Sewer line leaks located relatively close to your house are the ones most likely to cause foundation issues. It's kind of like the sinkhole/pooled sewage issue described above, except it's happening directly under the house.
As wastewater exits the pipe through a damaged section, it saturates the ground under your home. The shifting soils cause the structure to settle, leading to visible cracks in the foundation. You might also see drywall cracks inside your home.
If you notice new foundation cracks and are concerned about the cause, inspect the area for soft soil and/or evidence of wastewater saturation.
Much like the pooled sewage situation, you might smell it before you see it.
5. Pest issues
We all know pest issues aren't always caused by damaged sewer lines.
But just like foundation cracks aren't always indicative of sewer line problems, but can be, a leaking sewer pipe can result in increased pest activity.
Rats, as you may be aware, live in and travel through sewer lines. A damaged section of pipe can function as an entry and exit point for these pests. If the leak is around your home, you might notice more of them running around your property.
You might see them inside your home, too.
I've noticed an outdoor warning sign for a sewer line leak. What now?
A leaky or damaged sewer line is one of the more serious plumbing problems you can have. The longer you put off dealing with it, the worse it will get!
The best course of action is to find a plumber who specializes in sewer and drain services. These professionals can perform a sewer camera inspection to identify the exact location and cause of the leak.
From there, they can help you decide what remedy makes the most sense, whether that's repairing the line or replacing it.
At PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we help Metro Atlanta homeowners address all types of sewer line challenges. Our team can provide a free sewer camera inspection to show you exactly what's going on with your sewer line!
If you live in the Atlanta area and are experiencing any of the outdoor warning signs of a sewer leak, give us a call today at (404) 798-9672 or schedule service online!
