How to Identify the Early Signs of a Water or Sewer Line Failure

Early detection of water and sewer line failure is essential to avoid water damage, backups inside your home, and damage to your property. At Advanced Trenchless Solutions, we’ve put together some tips and signs of water line leaks and sewer line leaks. By watching for these signs, you can avoid excessive property damage and have the problem resolved quickly. 

Let’s look at some signs of water or sewer line failure that you should be aware of. 

1. Unusual Water Bills

If you notice that your water bills are higher than usual without additional water usage, it could indicate a leak in your water line. It is a good idea to monitor your water bill regularly for unexpected spikes. 

2. Low Water Pressure

If your shower or faucets experience sudden low water pressure, a leak could be the cause. However, other causes of low water pressure include blockage or pipe corrosion. To determine the cause, schedule a camera scope or drain-clearing appointment. 

3. Slow Draining Fixtures

If your drains are slow, including sinks, bathtubs, or showers, it could indicate a potential blockage or buildup in the sewer line. You can avoid causing blockages by performing preventative measures for plumbing systems. The best remedy is hydro-jetting, but a camera scope may be necessary to determine the location of the clogs. 

4. Unpleasant Odors

If you detect unpleasant odors coming from drains, toilets, or outside areas, you could have a leak in your sewer line. This means wastewater is not draining into the sewer and is instead stuck inside the line or leaking into your yard. The presence of sewer gas can indicate cracks or breaks in the sewer lines as well. 

5. Unusual Sounds

Unusual sounds in your plumbing include bubbling noises from drains or toilets. These sounds suggest that trapped air or water flow is being obscured by something in the pipes. 

6. Soggy or Flooded Areas in Your Yard

If your yard is soggy or flooded without rain, then a sewer line break might be the culprit. Your wastewater is leaking into your yard rather than reaching the sewer. 

7. Foundation Cracks and Shifts

If you notice that your home has more cracks in the foundation or walls, it could be caused by a broken sewer line. A serious underground leak could be causing soil erosion, which can affect your home’s foundation. 

8. Increased Presence of Pests

Another sign of sewer line failure is the presence of pests. If you have more rodents or insects around your home, they may be attracted by standing water or sewer leaks. If you try cutting off all other possible attractions for bugs and they’re still around, consider scheduling a sewer line camera scope. 

9. Mold or Mildew

The sudden appearance of mold or mildew in your home, particularly in the basement or around pipes, could indicate a sewer line leak. This is because high humidity levels or moisture levels are caused by leaks, which is where mold and mildew thrive. If a dehumidifier in your basement isn’t cutting it, it could be your sewer line. 

10. Discolored Water

Discolored water, such as brown, yellow, or rust-colored water, coming from taps could indicate a sewer line problem, such as corroded pipes or sediment buildup. Schedule a camera scope to determine if this is the problem. 

11. Visible Water Damage

There are many signs of water damage that can be caused by sewer line problems, including: 

• Water damage on walls, floors, and ceilings

• Stains

• Bubbling paint or wallpaper

• Warping wood

12. Frequent Clogs or Backups

If your home is having many clogs or backups in all areas, it could indicate a problem with the sewer line. Frequent clogs and backups can be a sign of significant blockage or pipe damage that requires immediate attention. 

Schedule Your Sewer Line Camera Scope with Advanced Trenchless Solutions

Do many of these signs sound familiar? You could have a problem with your sewer line. If you need a sewer line camera scope in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, contact ATS. Our professionals can perform a thorough inspection of your plumbing system to determine if and where any blockages, cracks, or other problems may be. From there, we can also provide trenchless sewer line repairs through pipe lining or pipe bursting, both of which are less invasive to your yard than traditional sewer line repair. 

Give us a call today at 844-513-4106 or schedule a consultation online.