Unless the water rates in your area have gone up, higher-than-normal water bills may point to leaks in your sewer line. This is only one way to determine that your plumbing is acting up. Here are the top six signs your sewer line in Prior Lake, MN needs work:
- Slow draining water: A common sign of a sewer line problem is a sink or shower that’s draining slowly. This can go on for a while, which can eventually lead to water coming back up and out of the drain. When you have a slow drain, your instinct probably tells you to use a commercial drain cleaner, but a drain cleaner won’t work if what you have is sewer line damage instead of a clog. In this case, the corrosive chemicals in the commercial cleaner may actually cause damaged pipes to weaken further.
- Fluctuating water level in toilets: A sure sign of a damaged sewer line is inconsistent water levels in your toilets. If toilet water levels fluctuate regularly, then chances are someone in your household will notice. Don’t ignore a toilet that has a high water level one day, then drops low the next, as this is a symptom of a possibly bigger sewer line problem.
- Strange smells and sounds: Damaged sewer pipes will undoubtedly emanate foul smells. The nasty odors offending your senses can seep out of toilet bowls, sink or shower drains or the sewage-dampened soil around the outside of your home. While sewage smells gross, these fumes can also be dangerous to your health. Another indicator of a possible issue is hearing unusual clanking sounds when water is draining from fixtures.
- Sewer backups: A normal clog in a toilet, sink or shower drain can be fixed using a plunger or commercial drain cleaner, but a stubborn clog may be a sign of a more serious plumbing problem. A damaged line can cause sewage to back up through your home’s drains and into your living spaces. If you suspect there’s a clog deep within the sewer line, stop using all the water-using appliances and fixtures in your house and call a local emergency plumber right away.
- Multiple plumbing problems: One plumbing problem is enough to worry any homeowner, but multiple plumbing issues are a warning sign of big trouble on the horizon. You might notice water backing up in several appliances or fixtures at once, or when you flush the toilet, water may back up into the shower. What you might be dealing with is a clogged or broken sewer line. This could require a total line replacement or repair to specific areas in the line. Call a plumbing professional to inspect and test your sewer lines.
- Greener grass: A surprisingly green and healthy-looking lawn may indicate a broken sewer line. The waste from your plumbing is seeping from a crack in the line, fertilizing your grass.
If you notice any of these signs that your sewer line in Prior Lake, MN needs work, don’t hesitate to contact Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services. Give us a call right away to schedule service!