Nobody wants to deal with a broken sewer pipe, but all homeowners should be prepared for such an event to happen because truth is, it can sometimes happen. So it’s important to keep an eye out for the signs that indicate that you may be having some problems with broken sewer pipes.

9 Specific Signs That May Indicate Broken Sewer Pipes

Look for any one or more of the signs listed below in and around your home. If you do find any of these signs, we recommend you call in a professional plumber immediately to assess and fix the problem. It will not go away, in fact, the problem will only get worse so the sooner you can get the issue fixed, the more you will be able to save on the project.

Broken sewer pipes can be caused by intrusion of tree / plant roots, corrosion of old pipes,

1. Patches of lush green grass in your yard

You may think that you are lucky to see some very green, lush grass growing in your yard in a certain spot but don’t be fooled. Especially if that spot is over a septic tank.

But if you do not have a septic tank then know that spotty patches of lush grass can be a sign that the sewer pipes running under that area have cracked or broken somehow.

So, if you notice a particular area or areas of your lawn looking very lush, call to get a sewer camera inspection right away.

2. Signs of mold

Most homeowners know that signs of mold usually indicate a problem with water. But it could also mean a problem with a broken sewer line behind your walls.

You might notice mold on your walls, your floors and/or your ceilings – which could all be caused by a crack or some type of damage to your sewer pipes.

3. Water backing up out of drains and/or toilets

If you notice that water (and possibly waste) is coming back up from your shower drains, bathtub drains, sink drains and/or toilets – then yes, you could have a clog somewhere along your plumbing pipes but these could also be signs of damage somewhere along your sewer pipes.

A camera inspection is the best tool to find what the problem is and where the problem is so that a plumber can get the issue fixed.

4. Gurgling toilets

Gurgling sounds coming from your toilet are a clear indication that there’s either a clog in your line somewhere, or there’s a crack or broken sewer pipe.

That clog or broken pipe can cause a lack of airflow in the vent, the pressure in the pipe will be greater than the air that is in the bathroom. So, when your toilet is flushed, the water in the bowl fights for the higher pressure resulting in gurgling.

5. Drains taking a long time to clear

Slow moving drains in your sinks, showers and bathtubs are another clear sign that there’s either a clog somewhere along your plumbing pipes or you have a broken sewer line.

You can try to clear a clogged drain with CLR or use some non commercial products like vinegar, baking soda, etc.

But if these methods do not work then we recommend that you call in a professional plumber as the problem may be in your sewer pipes.

6. Cracks in your foundation

If your sewer pipes run under or close by your home’s foundation – a corrosion or crack in those pipes could eventually cause problems such as cracks in the foundation, sinkhole issues and problems with the house itself settling into the ground it sits on.

This normally only occurs if the problem is not attended to quickly – if it’s left to further deteriorate.

7. Buckling concrete pavers, sidewalk, patio, etc.

Just like your foundation cracks – if your sewer pipes run by a concrete patio slab or sidewalk or even a row of pavers – a crack or deterioration of that sewer pipe can cause the ground surrounding those pipes to shift which in turn causes the concrete and pavers to shift and possibly crack.

8. Signs of rodents and insects

We may not like to think about it but rodents and bugs do live in our sewers and they can travel from the city’s main sewer lines into the plumbing of our homes. It only takes a hole or crack the size of a quarter for a rat to get through. And bugs can get through cracks much smaller than that.

If you are noticing rodents, cockroaches, sewer flies and palmetto bugs in your home and you suspect that they may be due to a problem with your sewer pipes – a camera inspection of those pipes will be able to identify where they are coming in through.

9. You smell bad gas odors

A foul sewer gas odor is a very clear indication that you have a clog and/or a broken sewer line in your home. There is no situation where smelling a sewer odor is a good sign. So it’s important to take care of the situation as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions about sewer pipes or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.