When your plumbing system works properly, you might not think about your sewer line. However, when the pipe becomes defective, it creates serious problems for your household. Discover the dangers of a broken sewer line and the steps you can take to minimize the risk.
In this guide, Iron Mountain Plumbing, trusted licensed plumbers in St. George, Utah, explain everything you need to know about faulty sewer lines.
Indicators of a Damaged Sewer Line
How do you know when it’s time to call a plumber to inspect your sewer line? St. George homeowners are likely dealing with damaged sewer pipes when they experience the following issues:
- Foul odors wafting from toilet, shower, and sink drains
- Pooling water or soft, soggy patches throughout the yard
- Sudden pest or rodent infestations
- Water backup or slow-draining sinks and toilets
If you think you have a clogged drain, don’t pour any chemical cleaners into it. The problem could come from deep within your sewer line and require extensive repairs. Drain cleaning solutions can damage your pipes and leave you dealing with more plumbing problems.
Hazards of Dealing With a Broken Sewer Pipe in St. George
Broken sewer lines pose many problems for Utah homeowners. From unpleasant odors and health hazards to structural damage, you must navigate several issues stemming from a faulty sewer line. Discover some of the biggest hazards that come from broken sewer pipes.
Sewage Backup and Clogged Drains
Imagine turning on your kitchen faucet only to find the water is draining slowly. You then find that your bathroom sink and shower also drain slowly while your toilet doesn’t flush properly. Rather than dealing with a minor clog at one of the drain entrances, you likely have a severe clog dip within your sewer line.
Until experts remove the blockage, you’ll continue to deal with sewage backup, making everyday tasks extremely difficult. Have a trustworthy plumber come to your St. George home and inspect the sewer line with a special camera. They can detect the location and severity of the clog, which could be due to any of the following:
- Overgrown tree roots
- Collection of non-biodegradable waste
- Foreign objects
Once plumbers clear the clog, your drainage systems will work properly, and you’ll have peace of mind.
Health Hazards
You need a sturdy, functional sewer line to avoid water contamination and the major health hazards that come with it. Exposure to raw sewage and its many harmful pathogens can cause a wide range of health problems. Be mindful of the following illnesses and infections that may stem from ingesting contaminated water or exposure to sewer gases:
- Gastroenteritis: Your digestive system will turn sour if it comes in contact with contaminated water. Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Typhoid fever: Exposure to salmonella bacteria within raw sewage can lead to Typhoid fever, which brings with it stomach cramps and skin rashes.
- Hepatitis A: Your liver comes under attack if you contract Hepatitis A as a result of a broken sewer line.
- Respiratory infections: You don’t have to ingest wastewater to end up with severe health issues. Inhaling certain microorganisms from dried sewage can cause pneumonia and other concerning respiratory infections.
Breathing in sewer gases can be equally as harmful since they contain methane, hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful substances. You can expect to feel nauseous or experience bad headaches by inhaling these gases, while prolonged exposure increases the risk of more severe health conditions.
Contact a professional plumber at the first sign of a faulty sewer pipe. You must act fast to repair the pipe and protect your health.
Mold Growth
When a pipe leaks and creates excess moisture in your home, you risk mold and mildew growth. A faulty sewer line that leaks wastewater is no exception. Any damp area becomes the perfect breeding ground for toxic mold, which will continue to spread until you eradicate the moisture.
Having mold grow around your home requires a professional remediation service. You might experience common symptoms of mold exposure, including:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience heightened symptoms. Reach out to a St. George contractor specializing in pipe repair if you notice musty odors around your home and suspect mold due to a leak.
Structural Damage
How can a broken sewer line cause structural damage if it runs underground rather than through your home? As the pipe leaks due to cracks or collapse, wastewater will fill the soil. If the pipe happens to run beneath your patio or driveway, the force of the water can cause your outdoor surface to sink into the ground.
You might even deal with a slab leak which compromises the stability of your home’s concrete foundation. Foundation cracks not only jeopardize your safety but can be extremely expensive to fix. Take every precaution by having an expert inspect your plumbing and sewer line regularly to rule out dangerous leaks.
Pest Infestations
When you have trouble with your sewer line, you might end up dealing with unwanted insects and critters infiltrating your home. Pests like roaches, flies, or even rats might descend upon your St. George home due to the microbial growth stemming from the sewage. Fixing the sewer pipe as soon as possible will help deter pests and vermin away from your home and protect you from the harmful diseases they may carry.
Poor Landscaping
When your sewer pipe has cracks and begins to leak wastewater into the ground, it can wreak havoc on your landscaping. Not only does the sewage release foul odors and flood your yard, but it can destroy the surrounding vegetation. Exposure to contaminated water can kill the grass and plants in your yard and take away from your home’s curb appeal.
You’ll need a functioning sewer line to support your plumbing system but also your landscaping. If you notice unusual changes in your plant’s health followed by patches of flooding in the yard, contact a plumber to inspect your sewer line.
Collapsed Pipes
Say your sewer line springs a minor leak. You might soon deal with issues like yard flooding or notice foul odors coming from the sewer system. While experts recommend fixing the pipe at the first sign of trouble, you can’t put off repairs if the pipe were to collapse.
Your underground sewer pipe could leak so much wastewater that the surrounding soil can no longer support the pipe, causing a portion of it to collapse. Catching the problem early could result in plumbers patching the cracks with a pipe liner but once it collapses, your only option is to replace the sewer line.
How Experts Fix Common Sewer Line Problems in St. George
Having a faulty sewer line outside of your home comes with plenty of hazards, but professional plumbers can minimize the damage if they act quickly. Experts can repair the existing pipe or replace it for peace of mind. No matter which course of action they take, professionals need to follow proven safety tips to make sure the pipe works effectively.
Plumbers can take several approaches to fixing a broken sewer line, but their repair methods often depend on the underlying problem. If you have a nearby tree with roots obstructing the pipe and causing sewage backup, contractors can fix that one portion of the pipe and clear the blockage. Keep in mind that the roots may continue to obstruct the sewer line as the tree grows, so it could be in your best interest to remove the tree.
For clogs not caused by tree roots, many plumbers deploy a hydrojetting service. This eco-friendly approach uses the power of pressurized water to blast away clogs and restore the flow of wastewater. You can invest in regular drain cleaning services to maintain your sewer line and keep it clog-free.
Larger problems like collapsed pipes or sewer line leaks require more extensive plumbing services. Plumbers may have to replace the system by manually removing the broken pipe and installing a new one or using a pipe bursting technique which doesn’t involve any excavation. With pipe bursting, plumbers send a new pipe directly through the existing one, causing it to burst open and make way for the new equipment.
Sewer line repairs are also possible by placing a liner through the damaged pipe and curing it in place to patch any cracks or gaps. Experts might recommend this no-dig option if you have a minor leak and your sewer pipe is in relatively good condition.
Contact Iron Mountain Plumbing for Superior Sewer Line Services in St. George
No homeowner wants to deal with a broken sewer line, but if you’re facing this problem, Iron Mountain Plumbing can help. We’ll perform a sewer camera inspection to find the source of the problem and determine the best course of action. St. George homeowners can count on our experts for unmatched plumbing services.
To schedule a consultation, contact us. Reach out now.