Sewer Line Repair in South Pasadena, CA
A broken, cracked, or damaged sewer line can be a complete nightmare. Not only is it a nuisance, but can actually be a danger to you and your family’s health. With early detection you can generally avoid costly repairs as a result of the water damage done by broken pipes.
Signs of a damaged sewer line
1. Water taking longer to drain
If all of the drains in your house are taking longer to clear, then you might be having an issue with your main sewer line. Having draining problems in one room is more of an isolated problem, but if it’s happening all over the house, then it’s time to have your main line looked at. This is usually an indicator of a blockage, and though it’s tempting to do so, it is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners to try to solve this problem. These solutions have harsh chemicals that can erode and eat away your cast iron or PVC lines, thus causing a bigger problem than you started with.
2. Strong Odor
Unusual, bad smelling odors may be due to a cracked sewer pipe. This smell can occur inside the home or in the back or front yards, depending on where the damaged pipe is.
3. Mold
When a leak occurs, the moisture that builds up around it can cause mold or mildew to grow on your walls and ceilings. Mold can be extremely hazardous to your health and must be dealt with immediately. If you are experiencing confusion, loss of appetite or an unexplained decrease in energy, difficulty breathing, or any other undiagnosed symptoms, it might be a good idea to have your home checked for mold.
4. Creepy Crawlies in the home
Many insects and even rodents crawl through pipes. If you suddenly start seeing a lot of bugs inside your home, this may also be an indicator of a broken sewer line. Rats and cockroaches can squeeze their way through very small spaces, so even a break the size of a bottle cap can be large enough for a rodent to fit through. Pest control will only take care of this problem for a short amount of time before the re-infestation happens again. The only way to get rid of the problem for good would be a sewer line repair or replacement.
5. Pooling water/sewage
If you notice pools of water on your lawn, it could be sewage leaking out into your lawn. At times this type of leakage can actually cause patches of lawn to grow due to the extra water as well as the natural fertilizer from waste. Though this might look nice, remember that it contains bacteria that can be toxic and harmful. If you notice pools of water sitting on your lawn or unusual patches of green lawn, you should call a professional plumber to assess the situation.
Causes of damaged sewer lines:
- Extensive pipe damage caused by shifting soil, corrosion of pipes, and cracking.
- Root infiltration
- Trees and shrubs gravitate toward water. If your pipes have any cracks, roots will grow into them and expand over timed. The pressure from these roots will cause blockages and even breaks from the expansion.
- Clogs from flushing things you shouldn’t flush down the toilet. Only toilet paper and waste should be flushed down the toilet.
- Grease! Grease and oil should NEVER go down the drain. They should be poured into a container until cooled, then thrown out into the garbage. Oils will harden after cooling down and over time this will cause build up, and eventually clogging.
If you suspect signs of a damaged sewer line, call a professional to come and assess the situation. As mentioned previously, do NOT try to pour chemicals down drains in an attempt to fix them. This can cause more problems than it will solve. Free Flo Rooter has been servicing your neighborhood for over 16 years. Our technicians are the best in Southern California. Give us a call for your sewer line repair and let us help you get your plumbing in tip top shape!