Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair

Your home's sewer line is one of the most critical systems in your property, responsible for safely transporting wastewater away from your home. When sewer lines develop problems, it can quickly escalate into a major issue affecting your entire plumbing system. Knowing the early warning signs can help you catch problems before they become costly emergencies.

Common Warning Signs of Sewer Line Problems

Watch for these telltale signs that your sewer line may need attention:

• Multiple Slow Drains: If drains throughout your home are draining slowly, it could indicate a blockage or damage in the main sewer line rather than individual drains.
• Sewage Backups: Sewage backing up into showers, toilets, or sinks is a clear emergency sign requiring immediate professional attention.
• Gurgling Sounds: Unusual gurgling noises from drains or toilets suggest air is trapped in the sewer line, often due to blockages or cracks.
• Foul Odors: Persistent sewer smells around your home, in the yard, or from drains indicate a breach in the sewer line.
• Yard Problems: Unusually green patches of grass, wet spots in your yard, or soft ground over the sewer line may indicate a leak.
• Pest Infestations: Rats and other pests can enter through cracks in sewer lines. An increase in pest problems may point to sewer line damage.
• Foundation Issues: Cracks in your foundation or basement can be caused by soil erosion from sewer line leaks.

How Video Inspections Help

Modern sewer line diagnostics use video camera technology to see exactly what's happening inside your pipes without excavation. This non-invasive method allows our technicians to identify:

• Blockages and root intrusions
• Cracks and structural damage
• Misaligned pipes
• Buildup of grease and debris
• Corrosion and deterioration

Video inspections provide clear evidence of problems and help us recommend the best repair approach for your specific situation.

Treatment Options

When sewer line problems are detected, you have several options:

• Trenchless Repair: Many modern sewer line repairs can be done without digging up your entire yard, using methods like pipe lining or localized excavation.
• Traditional Excavation: For severe damage, traditional excavation and replacement may be necessary.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular sewer line cleaning can prevent blockages and extend the life of your system.

Prevention Tips

While some sewer line issues are beyond your control, you can reduce the risk by:

• Never flushing non-flushable items (wipes, feminine products, medications)
• Avoiding pouring grease down drains
• Planting trees away from sewer lines
• Scheduling regular professional drain cleaning
• Having annual video inspections of older sewer lines

When to Call a Professional

If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, don't wait. Early detection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Contact DeMonte Contracting for a professional sewer line inspection. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art video inspection technology to diagnose problems accurately and recommend the best solution for your home.