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How to Know It’s Time to Call for Sewer Line Repair

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Let’s face it: nobody wants to think much about their sewer line. Most of the time, it’s not necessary. But when a sewer sustains damage, such as from tree root infiltration or corrosion, getting fast sewer line repair in Skokie, IL is the highest priority—or else you’ll soon have an unlivable house because of backed-up sewage.

We’re ready to help with professional sewer line repair using the best in trenchless technology. First, however, you’ll have to know how to identify the early warning signs of a sewer line in trouble. Look for these indicators so you can get us on the job early and help avoid even worse problems.

1. Poor drainage in your home

One slow drain in a single room in your house is probably due to a clog in the drainpipe. When you start to notice multiple slow drains and clogs all around the house at once—in bathtubs, bathroom drains, the kitchen sink, showers, toilets—then you’re getting a signal from somewhere deeper in the sewage system that’s something is wrong, and a damage sewer line is one of the biggest culprits.

2. Foul sewage odors

This is a sign that’s hard to miss, but people sometimes still ignore it or look for smaller problems that might be the source. If you notice these noxious odors coming from multiple drains in the house, it can mean that the sewer line is clogged up and forcing sewer gas the wrong direction through the drain pipes. You may also notice a gurgling sound from the drains as this occurs. 

3. Weird behavior from the plumbing

What we mean by “weird behavior” in situations like when flushing the toilet causes water to come up through the drain in the shower or bathtub. That’s not normal, and it probably means that there’s a clog down in the sewer line that doesn’t allow for proper drainage, forcing waste water back up the pipes and through the lower drains. 

4. Soggy patches on the lawn and sunken yard areas

If the sewer line is leaking, it will let sewage seep up through the soil of the yard and create smelly, soggy patches or areas where the ground has started to sink. If you see this occurring on your lawn, don’t hesitate to call for sewer line repairs because the sewer pipeline is already leaking extensively.

5. Vermin! Pests!

When a sewer line starts to leak or back up, the unpleasant critters will come a’ running. If you see an increase in pests like rats and insects in your house, it could mean a major sewer line problem. 

6. Mold Growth and Foundation Problems

Sewer leaks that aren’t attended to will create excess moisture, a condition that’s conducive to mold growth. If you see mold growth in the lower parts of your house such as the basement, or detect cracks in the foundation, you’ve got a serious problem that needs to be investigated right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the common signs that you need sewer line repair?
Answer: Several warning signs can indicate a damaged sewer line, including slow drains throughout the home, recurring drain backups, unpleasant sewage odors, and unusual wet spots in your yard. If multiple plumbing fixtures are affected at the same time, it may be a sign of a larger sewer line issue.

Question: Can sewer line problems cause bad smells in my home?
Answer: Yes, persistent sewage odors inside or outside your home can be a sign of a damaged or leaking sewer line. These smells often occur when wastewater gases escape through cracks, breaks, or blockages in the system and should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Question: Why are multiple drains backing up at the same time?
Answer: When several drains in your home begin clogging, draining slowly, or backing up simultaneously, the problem may be located in the main sewer line rather than an individual drain. A professional inspection can help identify the source of the blockage and determine the best repair solution.

Question: Can a damaged sewer line affect my yard?
Answer: A broken sewer line can cause soggy patches, unusually green grass, or unexplained areas of standing water in your yard. These issues may develop when wastewater leaks underground and saturates the surrounding soil, creating visible changes on the surface.

Question: When should I call a plumber for sewer line repair?
Answer: You should contact a plumber as soon as you notice recurring backups, sewage odors, slow drainage throughout the home, or signs of sewer line damage on your property. Early detection and repair can help prevent more extensive damage and reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs.

For expert plumbing service, installations, or maintenance, contact Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc. Our knowledgeable plumbers serve the North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Rely on Reliance!

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