Sewer pipes, which are part of a home's drainage system, are one of the essential elements in any home. They help remove and move sewage from homes to the main sewer for treatment or disposal. Having a suitable sewage system in your home offers convenience and multiple benefits.
Over time, the lines can deteriorate, break, or clog, which can affect the way they work. Regular maintenance checks are usually carried out on cleaning the sewer line to clear these clogs or to identify damage to the system.
Indicators of improper sewer pipeline
Several signs could indicate that your sewer lines are failing. Once these develop, you need to act quickly and do a thorough inspection and repair to make sure they are in good working order. A broken sewer can be detrimental to residents. Therefore, maintenance is vital.
Some of the signs you will need for repairs are:
- Sewage protection
Sewer lockups occur when you try to flush your toilet or run water into your sinks and the water flows back to your house. These backups can be caused by a blockage in the main sewer system or by a specific pipe in your home. If a backup is done, be sure to test the other sinks or toilets in your home to determine the extent of the damage. If the problem occurs in all drainage systems, then the blockage may be in the main sewer. You should take the necessary measures, such as: B. call the responsible authorities or hire a specialist.
- Duct gas smell
Sewer odors are the most accurate indicators of cracked drainage pipes. Proper sewer systems are usually airtight and must not allow air or odors to escape at any time. If you feel a bad smell in or around the house, it is a good idea to thoroughly check your sewer system to see where it is coming from. Ignoring such smells can cause prolonged damage to the pipes and increase repair costs. It also increases the risk of an unhealthy living environment.
- Insect and rodent infestation
Rodents like rats thrive in sewage, and improper sewerage could allow them to infest your homes. The rats were able to squeeze through cracks in the drainage system and in the drainage pipes. Insects like cockroaches and sewer flies could also use broken sewers to grow and infest a home. The presence of these insects should serve as a warning to have your drainage system checked as they transmit infections such as hemorrhagic fever and other allergies dangerous to humans. Pest control can work, but if it's permanent it's a good idea to check your sewer pipes.
- Wall cracks
Wall cracks usually occur when the soil in the foundation shifts due to water or the weight above it. This may be normal in other circumstances, but some can be caused by water leaking into the sewer pipes. Cracks in walls or panels can indicate prolonged leaks and the urgency of repairs as the water needs to accumulate at a certain level in order to displace the floor that supports the building. You should run a proper leak test to identify and fix the problem as soon as possible.
- Mold and mildew problems
Molds usually thrive in humid areas and can spread quickly if there is enough water. In places like walls, ceilings, or cracks, a broken sewer pipe can provide good condition for mold to grow. If you discover them, you should take the necessary steps to determine if the growth is caused by a leak or something else, and then make the repairs. Mold and mildew can cause allergic reactions and even affect the attractiveness of the home. If the problem is not addressed early enough, cracks will appear and, in the worst case scenario, the building could collapse.
- Slow drain
The rate at which water drains from your tubs, showers, or toilets can decrease significantly. This can be caused by tree roots entering the side drain pipes. In such cases it is important to check the cleaning procedures for any necessary clogs. Video inspections can also be performed if the problem persists. However, using chemicals to clean the drainage system can cause further damage by eating away the drainage pipes.
Conclusion
If you notice or experience any of these problems in your home, you need to seek professional help ASAP. Installation problems can cause serious damage to your home, as well as health risks for those who have access to the home. You should also normalize the regular inspection of your drainage systems. This allows you to identify problems before they develop to the extent that complex procedures are required to repair them.