Must We Fix Any Leakage In Sewer Pipes Immediately?

Have you noticed signs of leakage in your home’s sewer pipes? If so, the situation is probably as welcome as a weekend visit from the in-laws. Unfortunately, you cannot afford to ignore them completely… and the plumbing problems shouldn’t be overlooked either.

On a serious note, knowing whether the sewer pipe repair job should be considered an emergency is essential. Here’s all you need to know about problems with the home sewer system, including the best ways to overcome the issues.

Confirming the Sewer Pipe Problem

Home plumbing systems are complex networks that include various elements. Before fixing a problem with your sewer pipes, then, you must first investigate whether this is the source of your troubles.

The following list of issues all suggest that sewer pipe repairs will be required:

• Blockages and sewage backups, mainly if they occur even after regular drain cleaning. This can be a symptom of misaligned sewage piping along with various other issues.
• Mold growth on walls that are used to cover the sewer pipes suggests that there is a crack somewhere in the piping allowing humidity levels to rise.
• Odors that smell like sewage commonly show that there is a crack or another problem as a good sewage line should be airtight, excluding the air stacks.
• Patches of extra green grass in the backyard can be attributed to leaks as the sewage can work as a fertilizer. Dips and indentations are another telltale sign of plumbing problems.
• Rodent and insect infestations may be caused by damage to the sewer pipes that have created an access point for the intruders.

Visible leaks and structural damage throughout the property can often be caused by sewer pipe damage too, although other plumbing issues can be at fault. If you are uncertain, it’s best to call a professional that can perform a full range of plumbing services, including identification and investigations.

Can the Sewer Line Repair Job Be Left a Little While?

Like many types of home repairs, it’s crucial to analyze the source and severity of the damage. If you are confident that your pipelining is the root of your troubles, it’s likely that you have a small amount of time on your hands as hairline cracks and similar problems won’t cause sudden catastrophes.

In truth, your first job is to clean up the mold and prevent leaking water from hitting electrical units. Still, even if the smells and other symptoms have only just surfaced, the harsh reality is that the issues won’t fix themselves. If left untreated, they will only lead to more significant problems.

While you probably don’t need the same day service, here are just some of the reasons to call an expert right away:

• You’ll protect your family from potentially harmful bacteria and dangerous chemicals
• You’ll save money in the long run as quick action prevents further damage.
• You’ll save time as the experts can use specialized tools to investigate the situation far quicker.
• You’ll have the chance to start enjoying the home again far sooner.
• You’ll be able to repair, replace, and treat the damaged items in a way that promotes sustained success.
• You’ll gain tips on how to prevent repeat situations, including maintenance advice.
• You’ll protect the home from related damage caused by the dripping of leaks.
• You’ll avoid the threat of invalidating home insurance premiums.
• You’ll gain peace of mind knowing that the best course of action has been taken.

Effectively, then, you don’t need to panic and pay for instant callout charges but should see the sewer line repair job as a matter of relative urgency. Unlike the damaged carpet in the guest room, you cannot afford just to shut the door and hope your in-laws won’t notice. Act now.

What If I Do Decide to Leave It?

If you leave the sewer lining untreated, you’ll only have yourself to blame if the health of your home or family takes a turn for the worse. Damp and mold spores can cause an array of health problems while children and seniors are at the highest risk. This alone should tell you that extended exposure is not an option.

As for the property itself, studies show that 250 gallons of water are released a day due to a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 insurance claims is filed as a direct result of water damage, of which sewer line problems are a popular feature.

Attending to the issues ASAP can prevent damage to the property as well as the family. When you leave it, a small crack can lead to mold, infestations, structural compromising, and more. For the sake of your health, finances, and mind, it’s always best to get the troubles seen to right away.

How Are Pipe Lining Fixes Completed?

No two plumbing problems are identical, especially when relating to sewer pipe damage. Some options can be utilized depending on the type of loss, the severity of loss, and the probability of repeat episodes.

Some of the most common solutions include:

• Full excavation and drain pipe replacement in severe scenarios.
• New sewer pipe lining and trenchless slip lining installations.
• Cured-in-place-pipe relining for cracks and small damages.

Essentially, then, you’ll either replace the pipe or fit a new lining to plug the gaps caused by cracks or rectify misaligned pipes. In some cases, however, the sewer pipe may be blocked or need a more simple maintenance task.

Either way, the professional touch is better than the DIY approach for a host of reasons. It will save you time, money, and sanity. It prevents potential headaches too.

Conclusion

If you suspect that your home’s plumbing system requires a sewer line repair, it’s probably not an immediate emergency unless there is visible leaking. However, the issue does need fixing pretty soon or else the property will be at risk of severe damage.

For a quick, affordable, and highly professional service to take care of your Santa Cruz County plumbing problems, call Duncan Plumbing on (831) 476-1712 today.

First published on: Jul 18, 2019

Updated on: Apr 11, 2022