Sewer leaks are one of those things that homeowners tend to ignore until it’s too late. By being proactive, you can save a lot of money and stress by getting the problem fixed before anything major happens. But the truth is, sewer leaks are not easy to discover. However, they can cause severe damage if left untreated.
Here are some important warning signs of a sewer leak in your home.
Unexplained Damp Or Wet Spots On Floors, Walls, Or Carpet
Unexplained damp spots on the floor – especially around your toilet – on the walls or in the carpet are often signs of a sewer leak. These leaks can be tricky to identify because they generally don’t create an obvious pool of water. Leak detection Carmel experts note that the most important signs to look out for include:
- Unexplained stains and dampness on your bathroom floors
- Mold growing over damp areas like walls
- Gurgling noise coming from the flooring at specific times of day when your drains or toilet are in use
If you notice any of these signs, it is good to have the area inspected by a professional. If there is a leak, they can pinpoint where it’s located and repair the issue before more damage occurs.
An Unpleasant Sewer Gas Smell
Another major sign that you might have a sewer gas leak is an unpleasant, gassy smell coming from your drains. You may notice this throughout your entire home or just in one area. If you have been noticing a strong odor for more than two weeks, it’s important to call someone out to investigate further.
Sewer gas can be dangerous to inhale, so it’s important to take action quickly. You don’t want to be working or living in a space that could be contaminated with this toxin. The best way to deal with sewer gas is by calling for professional help, so you don’t have to deal with it yourself.
Damp Patches On The Ground Outside
If you’re constantly seeing damp ground outside your home, particularly near the sewer pipes, then you may have a blocked or leaking drain. This is one of the silent signs of plumbing problems in a home. Even if there is no water pooling on the ground outside your home, it’s important to check in your yard for any other signs of a sewer leak.
By the time you see the damp patches, your sewer pipes have likely been leaking for a long time. Call a plumber as soon as possible to check the problem before any further damage occurs. If you have old pipes, you may want to replace them with new ones. This may require a lot of work but could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Changes In The Color Of Your Water
If you’ve noticed any changes in the color of your water, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with one of your home’s drains. The most common cause for brown or black water is an issue with the sewer line connecting to your home. If you suspect a problem with your sewer, don’t hesitate to call in an expert.
Sewage is not something you want running through the foundation of your home, and most importantly, inside your water pipes due to leaks. Any contamination can cause serious damage to the quality of your water, risking everyone’s health in your household, so act quickly if you suspect there’s a problem.
Have Your Septic System Inspected Every Three Years
Septic systems are designed to function for decades, but the elements will eventually take their toll and cause failure. If you live in an area where septic systems are common, it is important to keep up with scheduled inspections and maintenance every three years.
With these inspections, you will see if any problems are developing with your septic system or not. If something is wrong, it can be taken care of before the problem gets worse and ends up costing much more than necessary.
Sewer leaks can be a big problem, but with these warning signs, you can prevent issues from developing and protect your family’s health and home.
