Is there an odd smell coming from your drains? You may have more than one fixture in the house that is backing up, or perhaps a patch of yard that is perpetually soggy.
Such things are indicative of a problem with the sewer line; it is best to put a stop to it early on. We at The Plumber are a family and locally run operation in Mesa and the East Valley. Our team has over 25 years of experience between them for any job we take on. Should you think there is trouble under your home, give us a ring at (623) 471-7255.
For the most part, sewer line problems do not make themselves known right away. They are a slow build and by the time the damage can be seen, the repair is often of a greater magnitude. Hence the importance of being aware of the early warnings.
Slow or Backed-Up Drains Throughout the House
One slow drain is generally a clog in its own right. Yet if you see several of them back up or go sluggish in unison, the source is likely further down the main line.
It is a good idea to note when you have a combination of:
- Gurgling from the toilet as the sink or shower is in use
- A tub filling with water after a flush
- Drains in various rooms that are slow to clear
- An overflow in the basement or on the lowest level
- Clogs you have to keep clearing
If a number of fixtures are giving you grief at the same time, chances are the issue is with the line they share rather than the pipes themselves.
Foul Odors Inside or Outside
Under normal circumstances the venting and sealing of your system keeps odors where they belong. A whiff of sewage in the yard or within the home means that seal has been compromised.
Do not put off looking into a musty or rotten smell emanating from the ground or your walls. Sewer gas is not something to put up with and it could be telling you there is a break or crack in the line that will only get worse.
Unusual Patches in Your Yard
The sewer line is underground so some of the more telling signs are to be found outdoors. Before you are aware of anything inside, your landscaping will let you know if a pipe has given way and is letting waste and water into the soil.
Keep an eye out for:
- Lawn that is sunken or soggy for no reason
- Grass in one spot that is lusher than what is around it
- A puddle with a bad odor that will not go away
- Any new cracking on the foundation, patio or driveway
- Rodents or other pests making for a damp, smelly corner
In the Sonoran Desert you cannot miss the extra moisture in a dry yard. If a section of lawn is wet and the rest is bone dry, that water has come from somewhere it ought not to have.
Desert Heat and Aging Pipes
There is something many in the East Valley do not consider. The ground here expands and contracts and the summer heat is extreme, all of which takes its toll on buried pipes. With age the older lines grow brittle and are apt to crack.
Not every home is going to be in danger tomorrow but the local climate and the age of your plumbing are a fact of life. It is a sensible thing to be on the lookout for warning signs.
Why Early Action Pays Off
You will find it much less of an ordeal to deal with a minor sewer matter while it is still small instead of having to contend with a collapse or total backup. To ignore it is to risk your health and home and let a small crack become a major undertaking.
A professional will put an end to any guesswork, inspect the line and let you know what is what. There is no need to delay, we provide free estimates on jobs of any size with no strings attached.
Some homeowners put it off until they have to. We would not recommend that.
The Plumber is fully licensed and insured and on hand round the clock to set things right. We have veterans and seniors who avail themselves of our 10% discount. Our service area includes Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee and the rest of the East Valley.
See any of the above? Call (623) 471-7255 and have it sorted before it gets any bigger.