Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer line until a problem arises. The truth is, the sewer and drainage system take serious punishment, and the pipes often bear the brunt. Regardless of the structure and quality of your setup, it’s bound to experience some trouble sooner or later.
This article shares the ten signs your drain pipes may show once they’re due for repair.
1. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are some of the most common draining problems. The toilets, tubs, and faucets get clogged every once in a while, but this is usually an easily solvable issue. In fact, a plunger and some muscle work are often more than enough.
However, if you experience clogs that consistently back up or won’t go away, it’s time to contact a plumber. The professionals are equipped with tiny cameras to help inspect the pipes and see if anything is causing a long-term problem. Besides hair and grease buildup, tree roots can infiltrate the underground system. The septic tank can also cause the same problem.
2. Leaking Pipes
If you believe your drain pipes may be leaking, it’s best to contact the experts. There could be cracks caused by sulfuric acid or similar corrosive materials. To test the issue, you can go over the exposed parts and see if they leak or drip.
Pipe leaking is an incredibly delicate issue if you have cast iron drain pipes. Cast iron drain pipe repair is only a temporary solution to a problem that worsens with time. These pipes are long outdated and are likely to cause more issues in the future. That’s why you may want to consider replacing your system with more modern solutions.
3. Faulty Downspout and Gutter Installation
Downspouts and gutters are important parts of any house exterior. If not installed properly, they can cause serious problems. If the gutters overflow or the leader pipes don’t direct water away from the house, it can lead to structural and landscape issues.
Downspouts should point away from home and travel far from the dwelling. If your downspouts aren’t connected to your drainage system, you may want to consider calling the experts to optimize your setup.
4. Garage Floor Drain Pit Issues
If you notice any issues with your garage floor drain pit, it’s best to call the professionals. If the drain gets clogged too often or the water doesn’t drain properly, it may be a sign of a more complex issue.
You’ll know you need professional help when the plunger doesn’t help loosen the clogs, nor do baking soda or white vinegar.
5. Water Buildup in the Basement
Do you notice water leakage in your basement after heavy rain? It’s a sign you may need basement waterproofing services. There should be no water in the lower parts of your home at any time, even when a storm kicks in.
Experts can check if your sump pump works well and suggest installing one if you experience regular basement flooding. After all, too much dampness in any part of your home can cause mold growth that further degrades the material and causes wall cracks.
6. Foul Odor Coming From the Pipes
Persistent sewer odors from one or multiple drains can indicate a drainage issue. The pollutants may build up in the drain, or maybe your vent pipes got clogged. Perhaps you didn’t know that the drainage system connects to vent pipes that bring fresh air and allow the wastewater gas and odor to exit. If an issue arises at any point, it’s best to contact the professionals and have them assess the issue.
7. Noise Coming From the Pipes
Do you hear banging noises coming from the pipes? If so, there could be something wrong with the water flow or the water pressure. This issue is also known as water hammer, and it happens when the valve is shut off quickly. Make sure to release the air trapped in the pipes to solve the problem. However, if that doesn’t do the trick, you may need to call professional plumbers to inspect the pipes.
If your water pipes make a gurgling sound, it’s most likely related to a drainage issue. The noise indicates a blockage in your plumbing system that may be caused by debris buildup or some foreign object. If it’s impossible for you to unblock the pipes, you should leave the task to the experts.
8. Toilet Keeps Overflowing
Toilets are among the most used appliances in a home. If they show signs of malfunction, it’s important to contact professionals right away. Some common reasons why a toilet may overflow include a clogged or blocked drain and vent pipe or a high filler float. Typically, simple clogs can be treated with a plunger. But other issues require a plumber’s assistance.
9. Water Backs Up Into the Shower
Taking a shower is usually a relaxing experience. But what happens when you notice dirty water or sewage backing up from your shower drain? Chances are, before the water started to back up, your shower had been showing signs of slow water drainage. These may include bubbling water or water appearing in your tub when flushing the toilet.
These signs can indicate a drainage problem and require a professional inspection.
10. Standing Water in Catch Basin
Catch basins are easily the most overlooked yet the most important of drainage system elements. If you notice standing water in your catch basin after heavy rainfall, it’s a sign of an issue with the draining setup. This imposes severe problems for your yard, driveway, and parking lot, as they’re not supposed to withstand too much water.
If you notice standing water or any of the following issues, make sure to contact local drainage professionals:
- Excess water in the yard
- Increased mosquito or insect activity around the home
- Basement water buildup
- Mold or mildew in the house
- Part of the lawn is dead
Notice Drain Pipe Issues? Call the Experts
Some of the most common drain pipe issues include water buildup around the house, weird noises or sounds coming off the pipes, faulty downspout installation, and more. If you wait too long to act on the drainage issues, you risk more serious problems like leaking, flooding, or wall and foundation cracking.
Should you experience any of the problems described in this article, make sure to contact local drainage and plumbing specialists right away.
