Pipe leakages are a major urban drainage issue from an environmental perspective. In fact, many companies overdesign sewage systems just to cope with heavy rains and water leakages.
While urban planners have made significant advances in pipeline technology over the years, most sewage and water distribution systems contain older pipes. In fact, an inquiry by the International Water Supply Association in 1991 indicated that the total amount of wasted or UFW (unaccounted for water) water was at least 20–30% of annual production. With old pipelines, the percentage of lost water can be as high as 50%.
Fortunately, water wastage due to broken sewer lines is easily preventable. With the many signs they give off, it’s easy for quality residential plumbers to find the problem and repair it. Here are a few common symptoms of a damaged sewer pipe.
Sewer Gas Odor
Many people ignore strange sewer gas smells. However, these odors are often signs of a cracked drainpipe. A plumbing system that’s in proper working order should never release smells from your bathroom or kitchen drains.
Therefore, if there’s a strange smell, call an expert residential plumber who can inspect the issue to find out why toxic sewer gas is making its way into your house.
Blocked Sewage Pipe
A blocked sewage pipe is the most common symptom of a broken drainage system. Soil or tree roots can find their way into a sewer pipe through cracks, forming a stubborn clog.
This happens due to the presence of water and nutrients. Therefore, if you experience a clogged sewer pipe, it’s highly likely that your house’s sewer line will be damaged.
Slow Drainage
A clogged sewer pipe causes water drainage. In fact, an initial sign of a clogged pipe is slow drainage from more than one plumbing fixture, including sinks, toilets, showers, or tubs.
Mold & Mildew
A broken sewer line leads to water leakages, causing wet spots on your home’s ceiling, floors, and walls. Untreated wet areas can lead to mold and mildew growth.
These fungi cause multiple health hazards, including allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Moreover, they also put your home’s interior, exterior, and foundation at increased risk of damage due to their ability to eat through building materials.
If you’ve experienced any of these signs of a broken sewer line, you need expert assistance. Our residential plumbers at Pro Serve Plumbing specialize in technology and can diagnose any problem and fix it with the adequate tools. Connect with us here.
