Signs of a Leak Sewer Pipes - Wisler Plumbing & Air

As you can imagine, a sewer leak at your residential or commercial property is no picnic. Not only is it hugely unhygienic, but it’s also downright unpleasant! Hidden sewer leaks can be expensive to repair and even more costly to ignore. Unfortunately, with hidden sewer leaks, you may not know there’s a problem until you get your water bill. A water bill for hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars is a good indication that you could be dealing with a hidden sewer leak.

Is there anything worse than a broken sewer pipe? A burst sewer pipe. After that, you’ll have to deal with even more cleaning and messing up. Luckily, there are a number of techniques to spot duct leaks before they happen.

In the following post, we look at 14 telltale signs that you might be dealing with a leaky sewer pipe. Remember, always watch out for these signs and don’t hesitate to seek professional help to confirm your suspicions. Doing it too late can make the problem worse and cost more to fix.

14 Signs You Could be Dealing with a Certain Leaky Sewer Pipes:

1. Unusual Sounds

A problem with the sewage system is indicated by the sound of continuously flowing water. Check that the taps are closed and inspect the toilets. If you constantly hear dripping on the ceiling or walls, leaks in the sewage pipes could be the cause of the continuous flow in your plumbing system.

2. Moist Floor

Spongy or wet floors underfoot are suggestive signs of a sewer leak. Your plumbing system snakes through the house with a system of connections to the main sewer. If water seeps around these joints, it will damage and discolor the interior floor. A wet stain on the carpet can also indicate that hidden sewer leaks mean water is seeping up.

3. Unpleasant Odors

Mold that grows in damp rooms often creates unpleasant odors behind walls. Bacterial growth near indoor drains is made possible by leaky sewer lines. If sewage seeps into the yard through defective pipes, you can smell it outside too.

4. Cracks in Your Residential Home

Cracks in your residential’s foundation can be the result of shifting ground  caused by dripping sewer pipes. When water collects in areas around leaks, it saturates the soil and undermines the structural integrity of your foundation. Sewer leaks also warp concrete sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

5. Landscape Growth

Wet, sunken patches, indicating a sewer line failure, are often present along with unusual landscape growth. However, the unhealthy bacteria found in underground sewage ultimately ruin lawns and gardens. Leaks suddenly make the grass lush in concentrated areas.

6. Rat Problems

Rats are attracted to the smell of leaking sewers, and their keen sense of smell gets them to the spot before they spot a problem. Although you don’t want rodents in your yard, their sudden presence is often an indicator that your sewer pipes are leaking.

7. Increase of the Water Bill

As mentioned above, an unusual increase in your water bill is often a sure sign that a leak is lurking somewhere. It’s normal for costs to fluctuate slightly as the seasons change, but watch out for big jumps.

8. The Water Meter Keeps Running

If all of the faucets on your property are off and all of your appliances are off, your water meter should read zero, right? If your water meter needle keeps moving, it could actually be a sign of a leak in the sewer.

9. Excess Water Collects on the Outside

It’s normal for a puddle or two to form after a downpour, but if you notice a puddle when it’s not raining, it could indicate a hidden sewage leak or a problem with your drainage system. Also watch out for sudden changes in elevation – this too could indicate a collapsed sewer pipe.

10. Noticing of Discoloration on the Walls

Often a slow leak will go unnoticed for months if hidden behind a wall. However, wet patches, dark circles or discoloration can indicate a secret leak. Another possible sign of a drain leak can be peeling or bubbling paint, or new imperfections in your wallpaper. It could also be a sign of a hidden sewer pipe leak.

11. Water Pressure Drops Off

You may notice a drop in water pressure when showering or washing dishes. This could be due to your municipal water supply and does not necessarily indicate a leak. You could have a hidden leak in your main line, however, if your water pressure at each faucet is low and the water is flowing slower than normal.

12. Your Pipes Looks Old

Simple pipe inspections are one of the best ways to find hidden problems in your home. You can find evidence of a sewer leak by quickly examining hidden pipes or under the sink (regular monitoring of these pipes can help you spot a small problem before it becomes something big). Another potential hidden problem that can be a sign something is wrong is condensation.

13. Slow Drainage 

As you know, the strange slow drain can be caused by a blockage. It’s common in our showers and kitchen sinks that things like hair and food can easily cause clogs. However, if every drain is slow and shaky, there may be a bigger problem at play.

14. Water Changes Color

Your tap water should be clear, but if you have hidden leaks, it might not be. Your hidden leak may become a little more noticeable when the clear water turns brown, yellow, or green. Colored water can be an indication of a leaking pipe or rust in your general plumbing system, although it doesn’t always indicate a hidden sewage problem.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect a sewer problem, contact our team here as soon as possible. Wisler Plumbing and Air are experts that perform an array of maintenance on existing sewer systems, drain line replacement, drain cleaning, underground plumbing repair, sewer drain pipe repair, and fixing leaking sewer mains, also specializes in residential plumbing services, commercial plumbing, and trenchless sewer repairs that save time and money. We don’t install alarms, but we provide the best plumbing services in Roanoke, VA, and its surrounding areas so give us a call for a FREE Quote today!