How Do I Know If There’s a Sewage Leak Under My House?

Undeniably, discovering a sewage leak under the house can be any homeowner's worst nightmare. Dealing with a sewer pipe leak is more complex than handling other household plumbing problems. Not only is a sewage leak unsightly and disgusting, but it also poses serious health risks and potential damage to your home's property if left unaddressed. Therefore, comprehending the early telltale signs of a sewage leak is vital to avert additional damage and expensive repairs while ensuring your safety. Heed the following prime warning signs indicating it's time to seek professional Sacramento plumbing services. Let's commence!

Signs of Sewer Leak Under House

While detecting a sewer leak under the house can be an ordeal, staying proactive might save you from extensive damage and significant health problems. Here are 12 red flags to watch out for and consult professionals for immediate resolution:

Unpleasant Odors

Observing a nasty, persistent odor reminiscent of rotten eggs or sewage is an overt sign of a sewage leak under your house. Leaky sewer lines create a conducive setting for bacterial growth around indoor drains, generating hydrogen sulfide gas. It's the prime culprit for triggering obnoxious odors that may penetrate your home and yard, endangering your health and property.

Sluggish Drainage

When your house experiences any issue with your drains or sewer line, your sinks, toilets, and showers are the first to suffer. If they are draining slowly or making gurgling sounds, they may exhibit a sign of a clog or leak in your sewage system. Sewage leaks are notorious for hindering the smooth flow of wastewater, causing a slew of drainage issues across your plumbing system.

Soggy or Wet Areas

Spotting a soggy or wet spot in your yard is a suggestive sign of having a sewage pipe broken under the house. If you've noticed dampness in your yard, particularly close to your yard, it could actually be a sign of disaster brewing below. Sewage leaks underneath can saturate the soil, turning it into a soggy mess and leaving discernible dampness to pop up on the surface. If your yard exhibits the same, it's high time to consider getting your sewage system inspected by experts offering residential emergency plumbing in San Jose.

Mold or Mildew Growth

Akin to sewer gas odors, mold, and mildew also bring an unpleasant smell to your house, indicating a sewage line breakage under the house. Sewage leaks cause excess moisture, creating an ideal setting for mold and mildew to thrive. Thus, pay attention to walls, ceilings, and floors for the signs of mold. Also, don't forget to inspect areas around plumbing fixtures or where water has gathered. Remember, besides being unsightly, mold also inflicts major health hazards to you and your family, especially to individuals with respiratory or allergic issues.

Unexpected Increase in Water Bills

If you notice an abrupt enhancement in your water bill without a commensurate increase in water consumption, it may imply a lurking leak, such as a sewage leak. While it's normal for costs to inflate as the seasons change, you should investigate further if there's an unexplained rise in water bills. Call plumbers to identify the issue with your sewage system.

Pest Infestations

Pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and flies are more attracted to the smell of sewage. If there's a leak in your sewer pipeline, you might experience an uptick in pest activity around your home. So, to save yourself from paying host to unwanted guests, it's high time to consider inspecting your house for a potential leak by enlisting comprehensive and affordable plumbing Modesto services. Timely detection and repair can help you prevent further damage to your property.

Foundation Cracks

You might not be aware, but sewage leaks can cause soil erosion around your home's foundation, resulting in shifting and settling and leading to cracks. Thus, if you discover new or expanding cracks, notably around plumbing fixtures, it might be due to a sewage leak jeopardizing your home's structural stability.

Lush, Green Patches in the Yard

While it may appear absurd, patches of lush green grass or excessive vegetation in your yard might indicate a possibility of a sewage leak. Sewage contains nutrients that might serve as fertilizer, fostering the rapid growth of grass and plants in the afflicted region. Some homeowners might take it positively for their garden, but unhealthy bacteria in the underground wastewater can eventually ruin your lawn or garden. Thus, if you experience exceptionally lush grass in your yard, call the plumbing company for a professional inspection to see if there's a sewage leak under the house.

Gurgling Sounds in Pipes

If you observe gurgling or bubbling sounds from your pipes when you flush the toilet or pour water down the drain, it might indicate a sewage backup or leak. These strange noises are created by air trapped in the pipes when wastewater attempts to pass through a blockage or leak.

Visible Sewage Backup

You probably notice an apparent sewage backlog in your drains or toilets in severe instances. It unfolds when sewage finds it challenging to flow freely through the pipes owing to a clog or leak, and it consequently backs up into your home. When you experience such a situation, it's best to seek professional help ASAP to prevent the problem from escalating.

Health Symptoms

Sewage exposure can trigger severe health hazards, exhibiting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and respiratory issues. So, if you or your family member have inexplicable health problems that improve when you leave the house, it might be due to a sewer leak under the house impinging indoor air quality. Don't take these symptoms lightly. Heed the preceding signs and health issues to unveil the exact source of the issue. Consult a Renowned plumbing company serving Modesto, San Jose, or Sacramento to help resolve the plight while making your house free from plumbing woes.

Final Thoughts
Recognizing the warning signs of a sewage leak under the house will help you take prompt action to repair the issue before it exacerbates and inflicts more damage on your property and family. If you believe there's a sewage leak, don't be reluctant to call a professional plumber to analyze the issue and propose the necessary fixes. Early response is vital for reducing the damage of a sewage leak in your home and safeguarding your family's safety and well-being.

About Bryan

Hi, I am Bryan, a seasoned plumbing expert with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Renowned for my meticulous attention to detail and exceptional problem-solving skills, I have successfully and effectively handled numerous plumbing issues, ensuring top-quality service and customer satisfaction with every project I take on!