The sewer is your responsibility, right up to where it meets the main sewer line. That’s usually under the road, meaning you’re responsible for all the sewer pipes within the boundary of your property.
Once you realize that you will want to know the signs that you have a sewer issue. After all, digging up a sewer pipe in your yard is an expensive and messy proposition.
That’s why many people choose to invest in a drain camera. This allows you to periodically inspect the inside of your sewer pipe and deal with issues before they become serious.
The Smell of Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs is distinctive and instantly tells you there is an issue with your sewer pipes. You may notice other aromas, such as sulphur or just a general sewage smell. These smells tell you that sewer gas is getting into your home. That either means a trap is dry through little use or damage, or that a seal is broken somewhere. It doesn’t generally indicate a broken sewer line although it can be an issue with the vent pipe.
Drains Going Slow
One slow drain equates to an issue in the drainage from that appliance. But, if all the drains are slow then you probably have an issue in the main sewer line. In most cases, this will be a partial blockage.
If you leave it untreated the blockage will become complete, allowing sewer water and waste to rise back up into your home.
Extra Green Grass
It’s worth looking at your lawn to see if all the grass is the same colour and height. Grass, like all plants, needs water and nutrients to grow.% The greater the level of these in the soil the better it grows.
If you notice a particularly green patch that is growing well and it is in line with the route the sewer pipe takes through your yard, then you probably have a leaking sewer pipe.
Unfortunately, you’re going to need to remove the sewer line and replace it. However, it is worth speaking to the professionals first. Sometimes these pipes can be repaired with inserts, that’s cheaper and far less messy.
Gurgling Noises
A sink that gurgles when it drains is telling you that the air and water aren’t moving properly in the pipes. In most cases, this is another clue that you have a partial clog and you’re going to need to deal with it before it becomes a complete clog.
Sinkhole
Sinkholes occur when the area underground becomes saturated, allowing the soil to literally sink. You’ll normally notice warning signs in your garden, specifically parts of your lawn will start to sink.
A sinkhole generally means that your sewer pipe has failed. Instead of the sewage being removed from your property, the water is building up under the soil, eventually causing the ground to sink.
It’s dangerous to people, animals, and potentially your home if it occurs near the foundations. You’ll need to deal with it quickly.
