An odd smell on the breeze in your yard? Drains that are not as quick to empty as they once were? A gurgling from the toilet upon flushing? Such minor irritations may well be the first indication of something more substantial going on underfoot.
A sewer line is hard at work each day, and for the most part it does so without making a sound. Yet when there is an issue below ground, it will not remain concealed for long. The key is to be on the lookout for warning signs and put a stop to a small crack before it results in a major backup in the house.
Sun City Plumbers has been in the business of serving the Greater El Paso as a family and veteran-owned firm. Put us on the phone at (915) 308-8899 if you have reason to think your sewer line is in trouble.
Slow Drains Throughout the House
In the case of a single slow drain, one can put it down to a clog in the fixture. When several are running behind at once, however, it tells a different tale. Sluggish toilets, tubs and sinks point to an obstruction farther down where the drains converge on their way to the main sewer. Should plunging or otherwise tending to the individual drains fail to resolve matters, it is a sure sign the problem is deeper in the system.
Foul Odors Inside or Outside
You should not be able to detect any sewage odors in the home or yard from a sewer line in good order; it is meant to be airtight. If you do, the seal has been broken. It is an unpleasantness one would do well not to put off dealing with.
Some of what to watch for:
- An unrelenting smell of sewage by the floor drains
- Foul odors in the vicinity of the sewer line in your yard
- Smells that intensify with heavy use of water
- Those that make a quick comeback after a cleaning
- A mustiness in the basement or lower areas
Gurgling Sounds from Drains and Toilets
When the sewer line is compromised, air in the plumbing has no choice but to force its way back through the pipes, resulting in a gurgle or bubble. One will hear it with the washing machine or a flush of the toilet. It is a matter of water and air not being allowed to flow properly, and the flow will only deteriorate with time.
Water and Sewage Backups
The last thing a homeowner wants is to see wastewater in the sink or tub. That is a telltale of a blockage or break in the line. Backups of sewage are a health risk and call for immediate action. In some instances the lowest drain in the house will be the first to show it; if the shower begins to fill when the toilet is flushed, make a call to a pro about it.
Unexplained Changes in Your Yard
Damage to the line running under your property will often manifest itself above ground. Water and waste from a leak or break alter the soil.
Outdoor indicators to be aware of include:
- Grass that is greener and of a faster growth than surrounding patches
- No apparent reason for a soggy or sunken area of lawn
- Pools of water in the yard
- New cracks in the driveway or foundation
- More pests in the area of the sewer line
Higher Water Bills
A hidden leak is a likely culprit if the bill has gone up and there has been no change in usage. Damage to the sewer line allows water to get out unseen. Best to look into an unaccounted for increase in charges before it becomes a larger matter.
Why El Paso Homes Face Sewer Line Trouble
There are conditions in this region that put stress on pipes that have been in the ground for decades. In El Paso and the surrounding communities of Socorro, Horizon, Anthony, Canutillo, Fabens and Fort Bliss, older homes will have pipes that have seen better days. Add in tree roots and shifting of the soil and the age of the line will catch up with it. Heeding these signs early spares you the expense and mess of repairs later on.
Call Sun City Plumbers Today
Do not let the problem fester if you have observed any of the above in your El Paso home. We are open Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm to attend to homeowners and businesses in the Greater El Paso. An A+ BBB accredited company and owned by veterans and a family, we are proud of the honest work we put in. Military and first responders receive 5 per cent off. Make your appointment with us at (915) 308-8899.
