Signs of a Broken Sewer Line: Smell, Pests & More

A broken sewer line can feel like an assault on your senses. The sight of sewage bubbling up from the ground, swamping your lawn. The sound of gurgling in your pipes that you know is a precursor to impending doom. And the smell! Let’s not even talk about the smell. These unpleasant sensations are not only a nuisance but can also pose serious health risks.

Sewer line issues, if left unaddressed, can escalate into major plumbing emergencies that disrupt the comfort of your home and potentially lead to severe property damage.

As such, understanding the signs of a broken sewer line can save homeowners significant stress and money by serving as indicators that it’s time to take action. Let’s take a look at some key indicators of sewer line damage, from unmistakable sewer odors to unusual pest activity, and how to address these issues promptly with professional assistance.

Common Signs of a Broken Sewer Line

Several symptoms can signal a problem with your home’s sewer system. Recognizing these early can lead to quicker, more cost-effective solutions:

Unpleasant Odors: A persistent sewer odor is a clear sign that your sewer line may be compromised. If you notice foul odors emanating from drains or your yard, it could indicate a breach in your sewer pipes allowing waste or sewer gas to escape.
Slow Drains: While a single slow drain might just be a clogged pipe, slow drainage in multiple fixtures suggests a clogged sewer line or a more significant issue with your main sewer line.
Gurgling Sounds: Unusual noises coming from your toilets, drains, or plumbing system can be a sign of air trapped in the sewer lines due to a blockage or break.
Increased Pest Activity: An increase in rodent or insect presence might indicate a broken sewer pipe. Pests are often attracted to the moisture and waste of a compromised sewer line.
Mold Growth: Excessive moisture from a broken sewer line can lead to mold growth, particularly if the break is near your home and moisture seeps through the foundation.
Foundation Cracks: Significant sewer line leaks can undermine the structural integrity of your home, leading to cracks in the foundation.
Lush Patches in Yard: If parts of your lawn are suddenly greener and more lush, it might be due to an underground sewer leak fertilizing the area.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Sewer Line Issues

When the signs of a broken sewer line are detected, it’s crucial to employ advanced diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the exact location and extent of the damage. Some of those techniques include:

Video Inspection: Inserting a camera into the sewer line gives a live feed of the condition inside, revealing any cracks, breaks, or blockages.
Hydrostatic Testing: This involves plugging the sewer line at its cleanout and filling the line with water to see if it holds pressure. Any drop in pressure indicates a leak.
Smoke Testing: Safe, non-toxic smoke is blown into the sewer pipes. Visible smoke escaping from the ground or drains indicates where the breaks are located.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Sewer Service in NJ

If you’re experiencing any of the signs of damaged sewer lines or just want peace of mind that your sewer system is in good shape, contact All Clear Drain Cleaning. Our team is ready to provide expert sewer repairs, sewer replacements, and drain cleaning services in Edison and the surrounding region. Don’t let sewer line issues disrupt your life — reach out to us for reliable, efficient service and ensure your home remains safe and comfortable.