A faulty sewer line is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Thankfully, early detection is very much fixable, which can save you money on repairs. So, what are the telltale signs of a broken sewer line?

Strong sewer smell

Generally, the first and most obvious sign of a broken sewer line is a strong and unusual odor. If you can smell sewer gas in your home, you’ve got a problem somewhere. It could be a dried-out drain on the basement floor or a broken line. It’s essential to call for the help of a professional.

Clogged drains

Finding a single clog in your house might seem minor. However, if all drains seem to be clogged and you’re experiencing a hard time clearing them up, it could be a sign of a broken sewer system. The problem could be most likely in the main sewer line since all drains rely on the main sewer for drainage.

A slow, clogged drain signifies there’s a blockage. Before the situation gets worse it’s best to call a professional to see the condition of the sewer line.

Mold or mildew growth on the ceilings and walls

Visible growth of mold or mildew is a sign of faulty sewer lines. It means that there’s a leak behind any of your walls, trapping an abundance of moisture. In such conditions, the humidity levels increase to the point that’s ideal for molds to thrive.

If you see mold growth in your home combined with a strong sewer smell, most likely you have a problem with your sewage. The presence of mold and mildew indicates that there’s moisture.

Cracks in the walls

If you see some cracks in your walls, it could mean that there’s a leak in the main sewage lines beneath your house, causing cracks in your house’s foundation.

When you notice new cracks in your walls, address the issue right away to help you save some cost on structural damage. There could be a problem with your sewer system.

Pest infestation

Insects, such as bugs, cockroaches, sewer flies, and even rodents can easily travel through your sewer lines, having a broken sewer line allows them to invade your home easily.

Cockroaches can fit into a tiny crack in your pipes and rats who live in sewers can find their way from the main line to the pipes located behind your walls. What’s more, bugs can enter your home, and their entry point can be through a crack in your sewer lines.

Greener patches on the lawn

A collapsed sewage line beneath the surface of your lawn can make the grass grow a little greener in some areas. It is because fecal matter is a natural fertilizer, which is composed of nutrients that when mixed with soil encourage your grass to grow a little greener.

On the other side, since sewage contains bacteria and other contaminants, it can damage your landscape.

Sewage backup in the toilet or tub

Are you experiencing backups or blockages every time you flush or run water down to your toilet or sink? If yes, there could be something wrong. Check if these backups happen only to one drain, then you can focus all your energies on getting that specific drain fixed. Otherwise, your main sewer line could be clogged or broken.

Lawn or pavers indentations

Continuous leakage in your sewage line can saturate the ground. It will seep a lot of moisture, causing the soil to be displaced, and the top layer to sink in. If you notice that certain spots of your lawn have clear indentations, it signifies a broken sewer.

Meanwhile, if the sewer goes under a paved pathway, you will see a deterioration of the asphalt, and in worse cases, it may sink.