The drain pipes in your home may be out of sight, but not out of range for your sense of smell. That revolting sewage smell in your bathroom can be the result of a broken drain pipe that requires immediate attention.
Honestly, repairing a broken drain pipe isn’t a fun task. But let’s accept it – you need to get it fixed.
Before you learn about how to fix the problem, it is important to read the signs. Besides, identifying the problem early will help you to avoid bigger issues down the line.
1. Sewer Gas Smell
A sewage smell in your home is a clear indication of a problem. Remember: if your bathroom sink smells like sewage, it indicates a drain leak rather than a freshwater leak.
That horrible smell comes from gases leaking through cracked pipes. For example, hydrogen sulfide, a common sewage gas, has a nauseating rotten egg smell and is toxic. These gases are produced from the organic breakdown of sewage materials.
That said, the smell can be caused by other issues like blocked air vents that diffuse the gases or clogged drains. It’s best to get the support of a plumber for a thorough check-up of the sewage system.
2. Sewage Backup
A sewage backup in the toilet can be a sign of a clogged or broken pipe. Worst-case scenario: the sewage backs up in the tub or the shower drain after flushing. In some areas, it happens in basement bathrooms.
Now, if only one fixture is blocked, the problem might be related to the drain pipe connected to that section. When it occurs across all drains in your home, the main sewer line can be the source of the problem.
In case the problem persists even after a thorough cleaning or a video inspection reveals no clogging, a cracked pipe can be the reason.
3. Gurgling Toilet
Consider a gurgling toilet as an alarm cry from your sewage lines. One common reason behind that is a clog in the line that is restricting the movement of air and fluids.
Another reason can be a leaking drain pipe that is allowing air to come inside the line. Apart from the pipes, there can be a crack in the toilet bowl that might need replacement.
What if your sewer system is damage-free and the neighbors are experiencing similar problems? Again, the issue can be with the main sewer line.
4. Insect or Rodent Infestation
Sewers are spots where pests like rats and mice prefer to hide. A crack in the lines, even a small one, makes it easier for them to access the interiors of your home. Even if the hole is not large enough for them to enter, it might attract them. Then, they tunnel along the line damaging your home’s foundation.
Generally, an infestation is accompanied by some other signs of pipe damage. Ensuring that all the cracks are sealed properly is the best way to keep these critters out.
5. Wall or Foundation Cracks
Undetected cracks in a sewer line that has been leaking water for a long period can cause visible cracks in your home’s foundation. Even worse, it can lead to the formation of sinkholes near the foundation. This is when the surface layer of the soil collapses as the bottom layers turn soft from the constant leakage of sewage.
Water leak under the foundation is a more serious problem and needs a two-pronged approach. Firstly, the sewer lines need to be checked to repair any damage. Next, you need to call a foundation repair company to check for any structural damages and to repair the crack.
6. Lush and Green Grass in One Spot
All the waste leaking out of a sewer line is an excellent fertilizer and the grass loves it. So, a patch of grass on your lawn that is greener than the rest, especially if the area is soggy, calls for an investigation.
Moreover, you are likely to detect a foul smell from the lawn as well. The good news is, this makes the leak easier to spot for a plumber.
7. Mold and Mildew on Walls
Here’s a fact: mold can’t grow without moisture. Any leak from a sewer line coming in contact with other objects can lead to mold growth on those objects. Undetected leaking under the flooring or inside walls can be a major cause of mold growth.
Let’s not forget that there can be spots in your bathroom where water accumulates, leading to the growth of mildew. That does not necessarily indicate a leaking drain pipe. However, mold growth on the walls and corners that are not in contact with water can indicate a broken drain pipe.
What Should You Do About a Leaking Drain Pipe?
No matter what the signs of a broken drain pipe are, neglecting the issue is never the right approach. Act fast to prevent any harm to your family’s health or damage to your home.
So, what is the first step to take once you suspect a drain pipe leak in your home?
Firstly, identify the exact location of the leak and turn off the water supply to the cracked pipe. DIY methods of fixing a visible sewage pipe crack can be using waterproof tape, epoxy putty, or a repair clamp.
However, these are temporary fixes, and unless you are familiar with these methods, you might end up causing more damage. Besides, DIY methods may not work for larger cracks or on a corroded sewer pipe.
A thorough inspection by an expert plumbing repair team is needed to check the extent of damage and prevent it from spreading. A permanent repair or replacement is best done by professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix a broken drain pipe?
Temporary fixing of the pipe can be done by using waterproof tape or putty. For more effective repairs, the drain pipe has to be dug up and the damaged section removed. Then, this is replaced by a new pipe section.
How serious is a cracked sewer pipe?
A broken drain or sewer pipe can turn out to be an extremely serious issue if left unrepaired. Think of property damage, mold-related health issues, and soil pollution. Negligence can lead to serious and costly repairs.
How do I tell if my sewer line has collapsed?
Multiple signs indicate that the sewer line has cracked or collapsed. Apart from a sewage smell in your home, sewage backing up, a gurgling sound from the toilet, rodent infestation, and mold growth on the walls are some other signs.
Can you fix a collapsed drain without digging?
There are multiple ways of repairing a drain pipe without digging up your lovely lawn. Trenchless repairs can be done by using methods like pipe bursting, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology, and slip lining.
Final Thoughts
Having your basement backed up with sewage can be a pain. If you can point out the hidden cracks responsible for the issue early, great! If not, the professional service from Beach Plumbing can help you with any issues with drain pipes that you might be facing.
If a reliable plumbing service is what you need, let’s talk. Learn more about our plumbing services here.