Think a broken sewer pipe is just a minor plumbing issue? Think again. It starts with slow drains and bad odors, but if left untreated, it can quickly result in foundation damage, mold growth, and raw sewage backups inside your home.
How do you know if your sewer pipe is damaged? What’s causing the issue? And how can you fix it before it gets worse? The experts at Rooter-Man are breaking it all down. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to repair it without major excavation.
How Serious Is a Broken Sewer Pipe?
A broken sewer pipe starts with slow drains and strange gurgling noises. Then, you notice a foul smell, maybe even soggy patches in your yard. Before you know it, sewage could be backing up into your home.
The longer the problem sits, the worse it gets. It can weaken your foundation, invite pests, and expose your home to harmful bacteria. Ignoring it could turn a simple fix into an expensive sewer repair or even a full sewer line replacement.
What Causes a Sewer Pipe to Break?
Sewer pipes can fail for several reasons:
- Old Pipes– Older materials like clay and cast iron easily deteriorate and result in cracks.
- Tree Roots– Roots invade pipes causing blockages and breaks.
- Ground Movement– Shifting soil or heavy construction can cause a cracked pipe under house foundations.
- Grease & Debris Buildup– Clogs create pressure leading to burst pipes and blocked sewer lines under the house.
- Extreme Weather– Freezing and thawing can cause pipes to expand and crack.
- Poor Installation – A poorly installed sewer line is more prone to sagging and damage.
Signs That Your Sewer Pipe May Be Broken
Watch out for these signs:
- Slow drains or frequent clogs
- Gurgling sounds from sinks or toilets
- Foul sewage odors inside or outside
- Soggy patches or sinkholes in your yard
- Unexplained mold growth inside your home
- Sewer backup in toilets or tubs
The Risks of a Damaged Sewer Pipe
A damaged sewer line can turn your home into a health hazard. When there’s a leak in your pipes, harmful bacteria and gases can spread throughout your property which increases the risk of respiratory problems, infections, and even structural damage.
If wastewater starts leaking into your foundation, it can weaken the structure and create the perfect conditions for mold to spread.
How to Fix
Fixing a broken sewer pipe depends on the severity of the damage. Some pipes can be repaired, while others need full replacement. If the pipe has small cracks or leaks, modern trenchless repair methods might be the answer. If the damage is too extensive, traditional excavation might be required.
Traditional Sewer Pipe Repair Methods (Digging and Replacing)For major breaks or collapses, traditional excavation might be necessary. With this method, the damaged pipe is fully removed and replaced. It’s a long-term fix, but it often comes with the downside of digging up your yard, driveway, or even parts of your sidewalk.
Trenchless Sewer Pipe Repair
Less invasive options like pipe bursting or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining can fix your sewer line without digging up your yard. With trenchless sewer repair, you’re looking at up to 50% less time spent on the project.
Instead of digging up your yard, pipe bursting pulls a new pipe through the old one and breaks apart the damaged section as it’s replaced. With CIPP lining, a flexible resin-coated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and hardened to create a smooth new interior without having to remove the old pipe.
Preventing Future Sewer Pipe Breaks
The best way to avoid this problem? Regular inspections. Avoid flushing grease, wipes, and debris. If you have trees near your sewer line, put up root barriers to stop them from growing into your pipes.
When To Call Emergency Plumbing Repairs
If wastewater is coming back up your drains, your yard is turning into a swamp, or you’re smelling strong sewer odors, don’t wait. The faster you act, the less damage your home will face. Call a plumber before things get worse.
Fix Sewer Pipe Issues Fast With Rooter-Man
A damaged sewer pipe isn’t something you can afford to ignore. The longer it sits, the worse and more expensive it gets. Whether it’s a clog, a crack, or a full sewer line replacement, Rooter-Man has the tools and expertise to fix it fast. Call (423) 308-6931 today and get it repaired before it gets out of control.
FAQs About Broken Sewer Pipe
Can a broken sewer line affect my home’s water supply?
Your drinking water shouldn’t be affected by a sewer line break since the two systems are separate. The real concern is if sewage backs up, which can bring bacteria and contamination into your home.
How long can I wait to repair a broken sewer line?
Putting off a sewer line repair can make things much worse. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of structural damage, sewage exposure, and skyrocketing repair costs.
Can a damaged sewer pipe cause a flooding emergency?
Absolutely. A damaged sewer pipe can flood your home or yard, especially if the blockage forces sewage back up through your drains. Not only can this ruin your property, but it also exposes you to harmful bacteria.
What are the warning signs of a broken or cracked sewer pipe under house?
A cracked or broken sewer pipe doesn’t always cause an obvious disaster right away, but the signs are there if you know what to look for. If your home has lingering sewer odors, gurgling drains, unexplained mold, or damp spots in your yard, your sewer line could be leaking. Even an uptick in pests like rodents or insects could mean wastewater is seeping underground.
Can I repair my broken sewer line myself?
Fixing a broken sewer line isn’t a simple weekend project. Without the right expertise, you could end up with bigger plumbing issues, expensive damage, or even health risks from exposure to raw sewage.
If you suspect that your pipes are leaking, don’t wait for those little leaks to turn into bigger trouble. Call Rooter-Man at (423) 308-6931 to find leaky pipe repair near you now!