When plumbing problems arise in your home, it’s not always easy to pinpoint exactly where the problem exists. Some plumbing issues have obvious signs, while others do not.
The need for a sewer line repair usually makes itself readily apparent. Slow drains, gurgling noises coming from your bathtub, sewage smells, and sewer water backing up into the tub when flushing the toilet are all warning signs that you have a clog or serious problem in the main drain line for your home. When this happens, it’s best to take care of the problem immediately, as sewage can spread illness, disease, and in some cases, even death.
Sewage line backups can cause many problems in your home and cost a lot of money in repairs for the damages. A sewer backup is certainly no fun, but it can easily happen to anyone because it’s common for plumbing fixtures in a bathroom to empty or feed into the same main sewer line. Therefore, if there’s a blockage, sewer water can emerge from these main drains.
How do you know when there is a problem with the sewer line? The most common red flags are:
- Smells or unusual odors coming from the ground, a bathroom, or a basement
- Water backing up out of a drain or the toilet plumbing
- A gurgling sound coming from the drains
- Water leaking around the toilet, due to pressure from the backup breaking the seal
- Slow-flowing drains
- Experiencing low water levels in toilets
- Cracks in the foundation, walls, floors, or the ceiling
- Mold or mildew growing throughout the house
If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs, call in a professional plumber to check and service your mainline. It is rare that an entire system would need to be replaced by excavating. Korrect is able to camera-verify and locate most problems, but we also recommend that you obtain three estimates for any repair job. Make sure all permits are pulled as needed, and never pay for all of the work upfronts.
It’s very important to call in a professional for cleanup if you think sewage has come in contact with your home’s forced or central air-conditioning system. It is also vital to maintain adequate homeowner’s insurance, including sewer backup coverage in the event of damage from a sewer backup. For most insurers, sewer backup coverage is affordable.
A mainline helps transport wastewater from the home to underground sewer mains. A clog can lead to a raw sewage backup coming out of the drains, causing significant damage and resulting in an expensive sewer line repair or replacement. Water damage and health conditions can occur if the issue is not addressed. Understanding how to respond to the warning signs can save you time and money.