6 Warning Signs Your Sewer Pipes May Be Breaking

Apr 28, 2023

If you're not a professional plumber, you probably won't know that your sewer line is bursting beneath you. We need to understand the warning signs associated  with sewer breaks so we can take action before property damage worsens.

Waiting too long to fix a broken sewer line can increase the likelihood of more serious problems in the future, which will only be more expensive to fix. Watching out for pipe corrosion and clogged pipes will not only help keep your home looking good, it will save you money in the long run.

We've written six warning signs that your sewer line may be damaged to help you stay on top of the condition of your property.

 b1da65576653f6cfeb4e954ca99b175

6 Signs of a Sewer Pipe Break

It may be time to have your sewer pipes inspected by professionals if you notice any of the following signs in your home or on your property.

1. Higher water bills
High water bills are probably the most accurate sign of a broken pipe. If you haven't changed your water usage but your monthly bill has increased significantly, it may be related to sewer damage. Your district water bill provides an actual record of your water usage, not miscellaneous signs that could be caused by various other plumbing problems.

Whether you have a crack or a slow leak somewhere in your pipes, it could be the result of damaged sewers that are depositing a higher-than-average amount of water. An excessive increase in your water bill can indicate a problem with your plumbing.

2. Water pressure difference
Another common sign of damaged pipes is low water pressure. Water pressure refers to the force of the water flowing from the faucets around your home.

Some homeowners believe that low water pressure is the result of clogged pipes, but that's not always the case. When the pressure is low, it's a good sign that the pipe is bulging, cracking, or bursting.

There are several common causes of differential water pressure, so it's always a wise decision to consult a professional plumber to make sure the problem is related to a broken sewer line.

3. Low water flow
As opposed to water pressure, water flow is the physical volume of water you receive from your faucet, measured in gallons per minute (GPM).

If using multiple faucets or appliances at the same time seems to be causing the water to flow poorly, you may have a more general plumbing problem on your hands.  If the flow is low, then you probably have a leak somewhere in the plumbing.

4. Strange smell
Water should be odorless, but mold and mildew can produce an unusual musty smell. These forms of fungi grow in moisture-rich environments and can have adverse health effects if left untreated for long periods of time. If you're experiencing a strange smell in your home, it could be water damage or standing water from a broken pipe.

9faec8a6690c0cb6e7db000b63bd11d

5. Persistent blockage
A very simple sign of a broken sewer line is a persistent blockage. Most of the time, clogs are related to a buildup of debris, oil, hair, etc. However, your pipes are also prone to clogging due to more severe damage. So if your pipes continue to clog after a video inspection or a thorough cleaning, your sewage system may be at fault.

6. Wet spot
Unusually wet areas around your home or property could be the result of a broken pipe. This could include puddles in the lawn, wet spots on the ceiling, or moisture in the carpet.

When you notice these wet spots, you shouldn't take it lightly. If you let more moisture build up, then it can lead to excessive mold growth in your home.

If you have other related questions, please feel free to contact IFAN.

This is our contact information: phone:+8613325756195 E-mail:sales11-ifan@ifangroup.com

Send Inquiry