How Do I Know If There is a Problem With My Sewer Pipes?

If you think sewer problems happen suddenly — without any warning — think again. Here are just five warning signs that your sewer pipes need repair.

1. You notice a sudden increase in your monthly water bill. You don’t remember using significantly more water this month than last, so why is the cost so high? It is likely that there is a leak in your sewer pipes, which is causing the increased water consumption that you did not know about.

1. You start to smell musky, foul, or unpleasant odors. This smell is a symptom of excess moisture in your home’s walls or floors caused by pipe corrosion. The odor may be bad, but the damage the water is doing to your home is even worse.

1. You notice that the water pressure from your faucet or shower head is abnormally low. A burst or cracked pipe can significantly lower water pressure.

1. Your drains are always clogging. Clogging is most commonly caused by a buildup of waste in the pipes, but sometimes can be a result of a broken or cracked pipe. If the problem persists after you have cleared out the drain, it is probably a more serious problem than waste buildup.

1. Your lawn has sporadic indentations. When a pipe bursts, the water underground will make the soil soft and cause it to warp.

If you notice any of these warning signs, sewer repair, or sewer inspection at the very least, is necessary to protect your home and yard. If you have lived in your home for years, you will want to hire a professional to examine your sewer pipes, as they can break down with age. Even if your home is brand new, the plumbing might be connected to an older pipe and is worth a look.

People tend to procrastinate sewer repair because they do not want to dig up their yard in order to reach the pipes. In fact, 73% of people surveyed said that they would be willing to pay more for a sewer repair if it would preserve the landscaping, deck, and other features of the yard.

Trenchless sewer repair can cost up to 50% more than conventional digging, but is still more cost effective because you will not need to spend additional money to restore your landscaping. Trenchless repair can save over 90% of the grounds from being ripped up, and protect electrical, water, and gas lines from the damage of digging and drilling.