Sewer leaks are among the most dangerous plumbing problems.
Not only do they pose a health hazard, but they also make the area unpleasant. The moisture present in sewage can lead to property damage, which can be quite costly to repair.
That’s why dealing with a sewer leak as soon as possible is vital. However, this is easier said than done since, in many cases, such leaks are not detected until it is too late. Other problems, like burst pipes, can occur when detected, making the situation even more challenging.
Sometimes, spotting a sewer leak isn’t as tricky as you might think. There are a few tell-tale signs that can give it away, helping you act promptly and stop the issue from getting worse. We’ve laid out some of the most noticeable ones in this guide.
Keep reading to learn more!
Signs That Can Indicate A Leaking Sewer Pipe
1. Unusual Noises
You may hear sounds of running water in your home even when all faucets are off. Such noises may be heard through the walls, indicating sewer pipe leakage.
2. Moist or Damp Floor
Moist or spongy floors indicate that your sewer may have a leakage problem. The plumbing system comprises numerous pipes that pass through the house and connect to the sewer line. When there is a leak, water collects around the points where different pipes connect.
This can harm your home’s floors, sometimes leaving wet patches on carpets. That’s a pretty good hint there might be something wrong.
3. Foul Odours
Leaks often leave behind damp spots, perfect for mildew and mould to thrive, causing those nasty smells wafting around your home. If your pipes are leaking, the stench is even stronger outdoors where the wastewater flows. Plus, sewer leaks can also encourage bacteria near indoor drains.
4. Cracks In The Foundation
When sewer lines drip, it can cause the ground to shift, leading to cracks in the foundations of your home. Leaks cause water to collect and saturate the soil, which can affect the structural soundness of the foundations. That is why such leaks also damage concrete patios, sidewalks and driveways.
5. Alteration In The Landscape
When your sewer pipes start leaking, they can leave soggy, sunken spots in your yard, making grass grow thicker in those areas. But, beware, because that same leak can also harm your garden. The harmful bacteria in the wastewater can be damaging.
6. Rat Infestations
Unpleasant odours from sewer leaks can attract rats and lead to an infestation in your backyard. A sudden rat problem might indicate problems with the sewer.
7. Increase In The Water Bill
A higher water bill is always a sign of a leak, especially if the rise is sudden. Slight fluctuations can occur due to seasonal changes, but significant changes can indicate a problem.
8. Continuously Running Water Meter
If everything’s off and the taps aren’t running, your water meter should stop. But if it keeps ticking away, chances are there’s a leak somewhere. It’s one of the simplest checks you can do.
9. Water Collecting Outside
If water tends to collect outside even when the weather is clear, it can indicate a drainage system problem or a sewer leak. Additionally, if there is an alteration in the elevation outside, it may mean a damaged sewer pipe has collapsed.
10. Walls Getting Discoloured
A sewer leak that starts slowly can remain unnoticed for quite some time. However, the walls around the broken sewer pipes may acquire dark rings and spots or become discoloured. You may also notice the paint bubbling or peeling or the wallpaper becoming uneven.
11. Drop In Water Pressure
A sudden drop in water pressure while working in the kitchen or taking a shower is generally connected to the water supply from the municipal corporation. But if all faucets are experiencing low water pressure and drainage is slow, the mainline may have developed a leak.
12. Worn Out Pipes
It’s worth taking a regular look at the pipes in your plumbing system. Spotting pipes that are looking a bit worn can help you catch leaks early. Keep an eye out for condensation too, that’s often a tell-tale sign of trouble.
13. Blocked Or Slow Drains
Clogged drains are a fairly common problem when materials like soap scum, grease, hair and other items enter the drains. However, if all the drains in your home have this problem or are draining very slowly, there may be a leak in the sewer system.
14. Change In Water Colour
The water from your faucets should be clear, but there may be a sewage leak if it is not. The chances of a leak are high if the water is green, brown or yellow. That being said, sometimes the water may change colour because of other issues, such as corrosion in the system.
What To Do In Case Of A Sewer Leak
If you notice one or more of the signs of a sewer pipe leak mentioned above, it is quite probable that the sewer system is leaking. When you have a broken sewer pipe, the first thing to do is to contact the sewer department or the septic company, depending on the type of installation.
They can send plumbing experts to help determine the exact cause of the leak and even help pump away the waste that may be coming out of the sewage system. Additionally, you can contact an environmental remediation company that can eliminate the waste and raw sewage from your sewer systems in an environmentally safe manner.
Sewer Leak Detection
Knowing the signs that might indicate a sewer leak can make it easy to detect such problems quickly. Timely detection is critical to preventing such issues from becoming much more complicated and harder to deal with later.
Once you’ve determined you have a leaky sewer pipe, the best solution is to call professionals to deal with the issue. However, you can try several methods to resolve the problem until they arrive. The most effective way is to sprinkle garden lime over the waste coming out and let it stand for about 24 hours.
This will dry up the waste, letting you easily shovel it into rubbish bags for safe disposal. Here at Fixed Today, our crew of seasoned Sydney plumbers is always ready with the latest gear to identify and fix any sewer leaks. So, if you need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.
