A peculiar smell in the yard? Drains that have a way of gurgling with every flush of the toilet? You may be concerned there is something more serious amiss under your home.
Should any of this sound familiar, then you have come to the right place. We are Harmon Plumbing and our certified plumbers can put a name to what a sewer line in distress is like; we have been doing so for Durham and all of the greater Research Triangle since 1989. Give us a ring at (984) 646-6770 and we will put your mind at ease as to what is going on beneath you.
For all its hard work, the sewer line is perhaps the most taken for granted part of your plumbing. It is out of view and does its duty day in and day out until it does not. But a sewer line is not given to failing without some forewarning. The key is to be aware of the telltale signs and deal with them before they make a mess of things.
Slow or Backed-Up Drains
You will often get an early heads up in the form of slow drainage. A sink that is sluggish could be a local clog, but if you find several drains are affected at once, or water is backing up in more than one fixture, look to the main line for the trouble.
Be on the lookout for such red flags:
- Drains running down in different parts of the house
- Flushing the toilet and having water back up into the shower or tub
- The washing machine in use and your toilet starts to bubble
- Pools of water in the lowest drains
- Floor drains in a garage or basement letting sewage through
When these present themselves, put aside the guesswork and make a call to a pro. All too often we see homeowners resorting to chemical cleaners which do nothing to address the underlying problem.
Foul Odors Inside or Outside
There should be no odor of raw sewage from a properly vented and sealed system. If you are picking up on that distinct smell in the yard, the basement or around your drains, a break or crack in the line is the likely culprit and it will only intensify as the leak worsens.
Unusual Sounds
Listen and your plumbing will tell you what is wrong. Air gets trapped by a blockage in the sewer line and has to push back through your fixtures, which is what causes the gurgling you hear from toilets and drains. Our plumbers will want to know about it; while a gurgle may appear inconsequential, it is usually the first indication of a sewer issue a customer will put forward.
Soggy or Extra-Green Patches in the Yard
Not many would think to blame their plumbing for this, but a leaking line makes good fertilizer for the grass on top of it. Where there is no other explanation for a patch of lawn being lusher or soggier, you might have an underground break. In some instances the soil will wash away leaving an indentation.
Pests and Mold
A cracked line is an open invitation for more than just an unpleasant odour. These are secondary signs to be mindful of:
- Rodents or insects making an appearance in the basement or by the drains
- Unexplained water stains
- More humidity than usual in a particular room
- Mildew or mold on a wall where the plumbing is
The moisture and waste from a damaged line are enough to attract pests, so a new infestation can be traced to your pipes.
Why Early Action Matters
Letting a problem with the sewer line go unattended is costly and can wreak havoc on your property. With camera inspection and leak detection we do not have to tear up the place to find the source of the trouble. Once we have it, we can discuss what is best for you, be it hydro jetting, a repair or replacing the line altogether.
We appreciate that is a lot to put on someone’s plate, which is why we have financing available from Synchrony at Harmon Plumbing, complete with easy applications and flexible terms.
Do not put off dealing with it. We are a family concern, locally run and here for the people of Durham and the Triangle seven days a week, 7:00am to 8:00pm. For when you cannot wait there is our 24/7 emergency line. Call (984) 646-6770 and let us have a look at what is happening before it becomes a headache.