In today’s society, all houses have certain essentials facets that must be maintained to ensure a functioning home. These include electricity, gas, and plumbing. Among these three, plumbing is probably the most prone to causing problems and needing repairs. One of the more important repairs that occasionally need to be made, in regards to plumbing, is a sewer line replacement.

The sewer line is the pipeline that collects sewage from the house and then directs it to a larger sewage line located in the community which then directs that sewage to a treatment plant. Because it serves such an important function, it’s easy to see why homeowners act fast to repair a broken sewer line.

Luckily, broken sewer lines often produce certain signs that alert homeowners to the presence of a problem.

Three Big Signs of a Broken Sewer Line

With certain household repairs, it can be difficult to predict, and even detect, the problem. However, with sewer lines, specific signs will often present themselves when a problem occurs. Usually, there will be three big signs to signal homeowners of a problem with the sewer line.

One of the biggest signs that a sewer line needs replacement is the smell. Known to all, sewage emits a very noticeable and foul odor, and because of this, when a sewer line breaks, the biggest sign anyone will notice is a rancid smell. This smell may come from the yard, the basement, or anywhere in the house, the sewer line runs through.

Another sign that the sewer line is in need of repairs is inconsistencies in the water level of the toilets. If there is a problem with the sewer line, the water level in the toilets may keep changing. One day, the toilet water level may be full, and then the next day, the water level may be very low. If this is happening, chances are that the sewer line has a problem, such as a clog. Clogs could lead to a backup in the pipeline and cause further damage to the sewer line.

The third big sign that there may be a problem with the sewer line is a rising water bill. If there haven’t been any changes in water usage but a noticeable increase in the water bill, it is likely that there is a leak along the sewer line.

These three signs are some of the stronger indicators that the sewer line is in need of a replacement. If these three signs, or other similar indicators, are detected within a house, homeowners are advised to contact an expert and have them conduct a professional assessment of the plumbing.

Causes of a Broken Sewer Line

Like other household repairs, there are certain common causes behind broken sewer lines. One of the typical causes of a broken sewer line is its roots. Roots of various plants and vegetation can often enter sewer lines and cause problems, such as cracking, breaking, and clogging. Because roots are so resilient and tough, it can be very difficult to remove them. Even if the roots were removed from the inside of the pipeline, the roots would grow back in a short period of time. The best course of action would be to replace the line.

Another common cause of a broken sewer line is clay sewer pipes. In the 1950s and before that, sewer lines were made out of clay. Obviously, clay isn’t a strong material and sewer lines that are made of clay often break. Again, the best course of action would be to replace the line with a stronger pipe.

Household repairs can be a costly affair and a sewer line replacement is no exception. The best way to prevent costly repairs would be to keep a regular home maintenance schedule. Consistently checking household systems would ensure small problems get discovered and fixed before they turn into larger, more costly problems. With diligence and some planning, homeowners can rest assured that all of their systems, including their sewer line, will remain functional and efficient.