No homeowner wants to deal with dysfunctional plumbing, especially when it can cost thousands in repairs. Your homes plumbing goes beyond just the pipes inside your house to the main sewer line that connects to them. Most major plumbing problems usually happen on the main line, and it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Damaged sewer lines can result in bathrooms flooded with sewage, busted pipes, and costly repairs.

Signs Your Main Line is in Trouble

It can difficult to determine when the issue has to do with your main sewer line. Your plumbing is complicated, and some problems are impossible to detect without professional help. Problems such as clogging are fairly common, but a damaged main sewer line is a much bigger issue that can put a dent in your wallet when it comes to repairs. If there is a problem with your main sewer line, here are warning signs to watch out for:

• Sewage backup and blockages. Sewage backups can happen every now and then, but if sewage backs up every time you flush the toilet, the problem could be your main sewer line. All your home’s drains rely on the main sewer line in order to drain properly. If you start experience blockages in more than one drain, it’s definitely an issue with your main sewer line.
• Foul odors. An intact main sewer line should be airtight, meaning no odors should escape the pipes. If you start to smell something foul, however, that could mean a leak in the main sewer line. If the scent of rotten eggs and sewage starts leaking out of your drains, it’s time to call a plumber.
• Mold. Mold can be the culprit of several problems, but the culprit could be a damaged main line inside your home’s walls. A crack in the line can cause enough water to leak into your home which can result in mold growth over time. Mold is harmful to your health, so if you notice mold starting to spread on your walls or ceilings, contact a plumber immediately.
• Slow drains. A slow drain can be a common plumbing issue, and most clogs can be solved with a simple fix such as a plunger or drain cleaning. If the simple unclogging methods don’t work to solve the slow drain, the issue can be a deeper blockage somewhere in the main sewer line. Unfortunately, mainline clogs are usually much bigger clogs than require more than simple unclogging methods, but digging into the line itself to access the source of the problem.
• Lush patches of grass. Your lawn may be looking extra lush than usual, but it may not be a good thing. Sewage acts as a great fertilizer, and if you start to notice very green patches of grass in your lawn, it could be from a leaking sewer line.
• Lawn indentations. Besides lush lawns, also be on the lookout for lawn indentations. If your main sewer line is cracked, it will saturate the soil around it, eventually causing to dissipate and dip. Walk around where your sewer line is buried, if you notice any shifts in your lawn, it could be time to call a plumber.
• Foundation cracks. A damaged main sewer line is more than just a plumbing nuisance; it can cause great structural damage to your home. Broken sewer lines left untreated over time can lead to cracks in your home’s foundation, a settled foundation, or even sinkholes.
• Pools of septic waste. One of the more obvious outdoor signs is if you can see sewage pooling in your yard. If your yard smells foul and there’s a puddle that just won’t go away, the problem could be a cracked main sewer line.
• Pests. Unfortunately, a damaged main sewer line can also result in unwanted pests inside your home. Rats and insects can easily squeeze through cracks and gaps in your sewer line and find their way into your plumbing. These pests can be very harmful to your health. If you suspect you have pests in your plumbing, a plumber can conduct a visual inspection of your sewer line.
• Common fixes don’t solve the problem. If it seems you’re constantly experiencing plumbing problems, it’s most likely an issue you can’t fix without professional help. A licensed plumber can not only detect that cause of the problem but safely repair or replace your main sewer line if needed.

Leave it to the Professionals

Plumbing problems can be a major inconvenience and disruption to your home and daily routine. Some plumbing issues can be fixed without professional help, but if the issue is with the main sewer line, you need to call a specialist. In order to make sure the problem is completely fixed, you should leave it to the professionals.

Don’t wait for a major problem to happen with your main line – call Milltown at the first sign of a problem. 

By Milltown Plumbing