A sewer is a pipe (commonly four inches in diameter) connecting that structure’s plumbing system at the foundation to the main public sewer line located in either a street, an alley, or an easement. These sewer lines carry wastewater, sanitary sewage, and industrial waste. Maintenance is typically the property owner’s responsibility, while maintenance of the sewer main is generally the responsibility of either the local jurisdiction or local sanitary district.

It’s never a good idea to ignore the signs that your sewer line needs to be inspected. While sewer lines are not something most of us want to worry about, you may find yourself needing a sewer lateral inspection or replacement. Ignoring your sewer line will only lead to bigger and more expensive plumbing problems to solve.

There are many signals that your sewer line is having problems. Once you notice any of the common signs, call JK Plumbing to inspect and diagnose your situation. If you’re not sure what the common signs are, keep reading below. Whether you think there’s a problem or you’re not sure, it’s always safer and cheaper to get an early diagnosis.

Common signs your sewer line needs diagnosis or repair:

• Unwelcome Pests and Critters

A sudden influx of bugs, mice, or rats on your property is often a big sign that it’s time to replace or fix your sewer system. Pests are attracted to the moisture and smell of a broken sewer. If you wait too long, they can start nesting on the walls.

If you’re suffering from pests and critters, call us immediately. Our plumbers will diagnose the problem and come to a solution quickly. Then, pest control will make sure that everything is disinfected, so you will not have to worry about diseases spreading around your home.

• Slow Drains & Clogged Plumbing Fixtures

When your sewer drains are actually not draining, that means that you are facing plumbing issues like a clogged pipe. If you notice multiple clogged drains, the urgency for a plumbing evaluation is even greater.

Failing sewage systems have the tendency to become clogged in areas unreachable by the average homeowner. Don’t try to fix these yourself because you might accidentally make the situation much worse, costing you far more than it might have been had you consulted an expert first.

Instead, call us and we’ll deal with the clog easily and effectively. Even if the clog is significant, our licensed plumbers will be able to handle the issue in the most appropriate manner.

• Foul Smelling Water

One of the first and most obvious unpleasant side effects of a broken sewer system is an offensive odor that seems to be stemming from water and often emitting from your drains. Foul odors coming from the lawn or other areas of the home mean it is time to call us. You should never be able to smell the raw sewage as it travels from your home.

Sometimes, it is not so easy to detect the smell correctly. When sewage smells mix with other smells from your home or property, it can become difficult (for most folks) to know that a busted sewer pipe is the culprit. It can smell like mildew or musty and may not be so obvious.

If you notice unusual smells, call us for a consultation immediately.

• Intrusion of Roots from Trees, Shrubs & Bushes

Trees are often the “root” cause of plumbing system problems, commonly clogging pipes. And while trees get most of the notoriety when it comes to roots, roots from shrubs and bushes can be even more troublesome. Roots from bushes grow much denser and faster than the roots of trees, creating havoc on anything in its way. If you think you have roots of any kind in your pipes, it is time to consult with a professional. 

• Gurgling Water In Toilets

Are you hearing gurgling sounds from your toilets or unusual noises coming from drains or pipes? If yes, you may need sewer line service.

A well-functioning pipe system makes very little noise if any at all. While it is normal for your toilet to produce sounds when you flush it, it is not normal for your toilet to flush slowly and gurgle. You may have some sort of blockage or another issue that requires maintenance.

If you encounter this kind of issue, you should contact us as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might end up with a major sewage problem that may require a complete rebuild.

• Cracked or Broken Pipes

Broken or cracked pipes are another telltale sign that you may need to fix or replace your sewage system. No matter if the damage has occurred due to wear and tear or something else, if you have cracked or broken pipes, it is time to invest in a new sewage system.

• Puddles In Your Yard or Sink Holes

It’s expected for lawns to take some time to absorb water after watering or heavy rainfall. But you might have sewer issues when puddles develop across your yard that take an unusually long time to dry up. Whenever you see a slow draining puddle outside your house, listen for squelching noises as you walk around.

Sink holes or pits appearing near the foundation are another telltale sign of damage your pipes are causing from excess water soaked into the earth, washing the soil away.

If you hear unusual noises or notice sinkholes, that likely means you have some broken pipes or cracks inside the sewer pipe that are leaking water, and you need to call us now.

• Lawns Become Super Green

Don’t get super excited if your lawn suddenly becomes the most beautiful, “healthy” shade of green you’ve ever seen (and you secretly know you had nothing to do with it). Lawns LOVE a broken sewer pipe because the waste is basically unsafe fertilizer. In other cases, parts of your lawn may become much greener than other sections. These are signs that your sewer line unintentionally feeds your lawn with raw sewage.

You may want to reconsider sharing that pic on social media, claiming you’re the greatest lawn owner of all time. Get a sewer line inspection from JK Plumbing right away. We’ll tell you if your green grass is something you should brag about…or not.

• Toilets Back Up When Flushing

If waste comes back up through your toilet when flushing, you may have a sewer line problem. If you notice that the water levels seem to be randomly rising or falling repeatedly, this is another sign that your sewage system may need plumbing service. Or you might notice other pipes in your bathroom backing up, too. If water does not go down in your shower, tub, or sink, this is an additional sign of clogs in the sewer line.

These are typically the ultimate signs of a sewer line malfunction. Most homeowners call us at that stage as it’s almost 100% a big red flag that your sewer line needs immediate attention.

You need to do 2 things immediately:

1. Right now, turn off the water supply behind the toilet.
2. Next, call JK Plumbing for help.

• Mold Growth On Walls

Another unwanted outcome from broken sewer lines might be the occurrence of mold on the walls of your house or business. Malfunctioning sewer lines can increase the humidity inside the structure, leading to the influx of mold, sometimes (but not always) appearing on walls behind or near plumbing fixtures.

Any sign of mold growth on walls or discoloration of walls means it’s time to call us for a sewer line evaluation. We’ll analyze the situation to determine whether the mold is produced due to sewer line issues (or something else) and what should be done to resolve the problem cost-effectively.

When it comes to lateral sewer line repair and replacement, do it right the first time! Call JK Plumbing today at 415-359-4588.

The cost of repairing or replacing a damaged lateral sewer line can vary significantly based on the damage’s extent, the pipe’s length, and local regulations. At JK Plumbing, we offer comprehensive assessments to provide an accurate quote. Our plumbing company understands the complexities involved in lateral sewer line service, and our team ensures that every aspect of the job, from the initial assessment to the final repair or lateral sewer replacement, is handled with utmost care and professionalism. If you are wondering how much a lateral sewer service costs, we recommend calling JK Plumbing immediately. We’ll Do It Right the First Time.

Regular inspection and maintenance of your lateral sewer line are crucial in preventing significant issues. We recommend having your lateral sewer line inspected at least once every two years. Regular maintenance can identify potential problems, such as blockages or wear and tear before they escalate into major concerns. At JK Plumbing, we use advanced techniques for lateral sewer line inspection and maintenance, ensuring your plumbing system remains in optimal condition.

Depending on local regulations, repairing or replacing a lateral sewer line often requires specific permits. At JK Plumbing, we handle all the necessary permits for you. Our extensive knowledge of local codes and standards ensures that every lateral sewer line project we undertake complies with the required legal and safety regulations. We simplify the process for our customers, ensuring a hassle-free experience.