The 5 Signs Your Home May Need A Sewer Line Replacement

One problem many homeowners have to contend with sooner or later is a damaged sewer line between their homes and the street. 

Once an old sewer line is too cracked or corroded, it will need to be replaced. Most old lines were made of cast iron or terracotta, and when one section is damaged, this is often a sign the entire line is also damaged.

The good news is that by watching for common signs of sewer problems, you can call in a sewer replacement service early and possibly save some money on the repair. 

Here are five common signs a residential sewer line needs professional attention so you'll know what to watch for:

Sign #1: You Smell Sewage Outside

If you notice a faint smell of sewage outside, either in the early morning or when the lawn is damp from watering, then this is a sign sewage is seeping up from below.

Sign #2: The Drains in Your Home Are Backing Up

If you run the dishwasher and water bubbles up in a nearby bathtub, then this is a tell-tale sign of a sewer main problem.

While most homeowners hope the problem is simply a clog, main line problems typically arise from a simple crack that has gone unnoticed for years and is now well past the simple repair stage. Water backups typically signal the need for a mainline replacement.

Sign #3: You See an Extra-Green Patch of Lawn Over the Sewer Line

Since the sewage flowing out of your home contains nutrients and a lot of water, the grass above a damaged line will thrive. All of a sudden you will notice one spot of the lawn looks a lot greener and grows faster than the rest. 

If you don't know why a section of your lawn is suddenly thriving, then it requires investigation because it might be your sewer line.

Sign #4: You Hear Gurgling Noises in Your House

When the plumbing system in your home is working correctly, you should never hear gurgling noises in the drains or inside the walls. 

If your toilet bubbles or you start hearing gurgling noises when your dishwasher or washing machine is draining, then this is a sign of a damaged or clogged sewer line.

Sign #5: Your Lawn Has Become the Neighborhood Dog Bathroom

While it may seem odd, if you notice a lot of dogs using your lawn as their bathroom, then it is entirely possible this is because the sewer line beneath is broken.

Well before humans can smell leaking sewage, dogs can smell it. And, when they do, they stop off to mark the territory as theirs.

Contact a professional for more information about sewer replacement services

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