As the old saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” But what happens when something that’s been out of sight for a while suddenly becomes all too visible? Unfortunately, that’s the unfortunate reality for many homeowners when they discover a broken sewer line. Suddenly, what was once buried beneath their yards and streets is exposed and in dire need of repair.
It’s a messy, smelly, and inconvenient problem that requires immediate attention. But with the right expertise and equipment, a broken sewer line can be fixed, and your home can be restored to its former glory. So let’s roll up our sleeves and take a closer look at what it takes to fix a broken sewer line.
Can a Broken Sewer Line Cause a Sinkhole?
Sinkholes can develop naturally when the rock beneath the earth’s surface erodes due to water, causing the earth above to collapse into the void below. But did you know those man-made plumbing problems can also cause sinkholes? For example, if you see a depression or trench in your front lawn, there’s a chance that your sewer line is running directly below it. This is because a poorly sealed sewer line can cause erosion over time, leading to the formation of a sinkhole.
And let me tell you, sinkholes are no laughing matter! They can be dangerous for both people and property. For example, cars can be damaged if they drive over a sinkhole, and people can turn an ankle or worse if they unknowingly walk into one.
Unfortunately, in many cases, the responsibility for repairs falls on the homeowner, and the repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
The Age of Your Home Is a Factor
Over time, homes age just like fine wine. However, when it comes to the age of your abode, certain factors need to be taken into account, especially when it comes to plumbing. Fortunately, modern homes built after 1980 have been constructed with updated building codes requiring sewer lines to be gasketed and sealed, eliminating the need for the infamous jute rope wrap used to cover sewer joints before being embedded in concrete. This rope material was notorious for deteriorating underground, causing sewer lines to develop problematic leaks.
Sinkholes are one of the more noticeable effects of water seepage into the surrounding soil and rock, and these are more likely to occur in homes built before 1980. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that newer homes are immune to this problem. Despite all the precautionary measures taken during construction, leaks can still occur due to root intrusion, earthquakes, serious clogs, or corrosion.
If you start noticing any new depressions in your yard, it may be an indication of a more severe problem, and you should consider calling in the experts from Custom Plumbing of Arizona for main line repair.
Signs Your Broken Sewer Line Is Causing a Sinkhole
As a homeowner, it’s important to be alert to any signs that your home might need plumbing attention. And when it comes to sewer leaks, there are often subtle indicators that something’s amiss, well before sinkholes or other major issues appear. Here are the most common signs that you may have a sewer leak to look out for:
- The unmistakable scent of sewage emanating from your drains, no matter what you do, to try and get rid of it.
- Multiple drains that are slow or backed up, or all of them having problems at once, which could be a sign of a blockage in your pipes.
- Frequent clogs that need to be cleared regularly, indicating that something’s not flowing properly.
- Certain areas of your lawn look greener than others as if they’re getting extra water and nutrients.
- Wet or smelly patches in your yard could be caused by excess water and human waste.
- An influx of rodents may be coming in through cracks in your pipes.
- Cracks appearing on your exterior walls due to soil shifting under your foundation, which could signal a serious problem with your sewer line.
What Happens If I Don’t Fix My Broken Sewer Line?
Dealing with unexpected repairs is never fun, but when it comes to a broken sewer line, ignoring it can lead to some serious consequences. Unfortunately, those cracks in your sewer line won’t magically go away – in fact, they’re likely to get worse over time, causing even bigger issues down the line.
One of the biggest risks of a leaky sewer line is damage to your home’s foundation. If the ground around your house becomes destabilized, you could end up with major structural problems that are costly to fix. Plus, if a clog in your main line causes the leak, you risk raw sewage backing up into your home, which is a mess no one wants to deal with.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to stay on top of your plumbing system’s maintenance and catch any potential problems before they become major headaches. That’s where we come in – The Drain Whisperers at Custom Plumbing of Arizona are available 24/7 to help keep your plumbing in top shape. Contact us today at 602-866-2665 to get the help you need.