Did you know that some of the most common house insurance claims have to do with water damage?
One way to minimize the damage caused by water is to diagnose the problem early. If the problem is a sewer leak, there are a few telltale signs to help you do exactly that.
Recognizing the problem is only half the battle, though. When it comes to a clogged or damaged sewer pipe, you also need to know how to deal with it.
Keep reading for the best advice on the diagnosis and repair of your sewer pipe.
How to Tell You Have a Sewer Leak
The good news is, you can usually tell that there’s a problem with your sewer before having to call in a professional. Foul smells, high water bills, strange sounds, and changes to your lawn will let you know there’s something wrong.
Below we go into detail about these common plumbing problems related to a sewer leak.
1. Odor
This is the easiest way to tell that you have a sewage leak. If you notice an unpleasant order emanating from your basement or outside of the house, then you might have a sewer leak. The smell won’t be hard to miss because it’s the smell of raw sewage.
2. Water Bill
Is your water bill higher than normal? That could be a sign that you have a damaged sewer pipe. Although water bills tend to fluctuate, a significant increase is the sign of a plumbing problem.
3. Sounds
If you’re hearing strange sounds, try turning off your faucets and checking that your toilet isn’t running. If you still hear the sounds of running water, that could be a sign that there’s a problem with your sewer line.
4. Lawn Changes
Your sewer system is underground. If it breaks, it will affect your lawn in a couple of possible ways.
It might cause indentations in the lawn. This is due to the increased amount of moisture causing the soil to shift.
You might notice that your lawn is greener. That’s a result fo fecal matter fertilizing your lawn. In this case, you may need to consider sewage cleanup before you start the repair.
How to Deal With a Sewer Leak
There are 3 basic steps to dealing with a sewer leak in your home. Before doing anything, check for a clog. If that’s not the problem, then you can locate the sewer line and make the repair.
We go through each of these steps in more detail below.
1. Check for a Clog
Unclogging the drains is the first thing you’ll want to try if you suspect a sewer leak. If a simple clog is the cause of the problem, this will be relatively straightforward to fix. You might try using a chemical drain cleaner, a plunger, or calling a plumber to use a plumber’s snake.
2. Locate the Sewer Line
If a clog isn’t the problem, then the next step is to locate your sewer line. By knowing where the sewer line is, you’ll be able to diagnose the problem.
More than that, knowing whether your sewer line is above or underground will give you an idea of how you’re going to repair it.
3. Repair
Repairing a sewer leak when the pipes are above ground is relatively easy. But repairing a sewer line that runs underground will require the help of a professional. In fact, these types of sewer lines should only be repaired by licensed plumbers.
More Tips and Advice for Men
A damaged sewer line can result in unpleasant odors, high water bills, or even changes in your lawn. And while diagnosing a sewer leak is relatively easy, repairing it isn’t. If your sewer line is underground, then you’ll need the help of a professional.
But there are plenty of DIY things you can still do around your home. Have a look through our blog for more tips and advice that are geared toward men like you.
