Learn the Top 5 Signs of a Collapsed Sewer Line

Even if you don’t know much about your sewer line, you know that you want it to stay in good working condition. You never want to hear the word “collapsed” when a professional is discussing your sewer line. However, this does happen to residential homes and commercial buildings. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. That is why you need to learn the signs of a collapsed sewer line so you can make an emergency call for repair if this happens to you.

The Signs of a Collapsed Sewer Line

There are several common signs of a collapsed sewer line that you should be aware of. Do any of these seem familiar to you?

Strong Sewer Odor

You know a sewer odor when you smell it! This is generally the first sign of a broken sewer pipe. The basement is the most common area of a building or home for this strong sewer odor. However, if this smell is coming from somewhere in your yard, check for any broken lines in the property outside.

Toilet That Gurgles

Any type of gurgling generally happens when air is being trapped and then released abruptly. Think of it like your toilet burping! If this is happening when you flush, there is definitely a leakage that’s allowing air into your sewer line. 

Slow Moving Drains

While an isolated clog in your house may not be serious, if all the drains seem to be clogged and you are having a difficult time clearing them, it could be because of a broken sewer line. The root of the problem is most likely in your main sewer line. All drains rely on the main sewer line for drainage which is why more than one drain would be affected.

Sewage Backup in the Tub

If you notice this troubling sign, something is wrong. It is possible that your main sewer line has become clogged or broken. It could be from a tree root intrusion. Common tree types like sycamores, willows, oaks, maples, elms, and aspens can all cause root intrusion. It could also be from cracks letting surrounding soil in or a misaligned pipe connection. Whatever the issue is, a professional repair needs to come out right away.

Walls Beginning to Crack

If you notice new cracks in your walls, you must address the issue immediately before it causes structural or foundation damage. It could well be that the main sewage lines beneath your building are leaking, leading to cracks in your foundation. It’s possible a major sewer break is even causing the earth under the building to shift a bit.

Contact Complete Trenchless

A broken sewer pipe is easily the nightmare of every homeowner or commercial building owner. Thankfully, as with any other plumbing problem, with timely detection, it is very much fixable. If you recognize the signs of a collapsed sewer line, it is time to call Complete Trenchless for an emergency repair.