Because it’s located underground, it’s easy to forget about your plumbing and sewage lines. If you have a cracked sewer pipe, you’ll quickly realize that something is leaking.
Once the sewer line cracks, it can lead to moisture damage, costly repairs, and mold. By being proactive about plumbing maintenance and repairs, you can prevent this type of issue from happening.
What Type of Damage Can Happen Because of a Cracked Sewer Pipe?
While a cracked sewer pipe can cause many different side effects, the extent of those symptoms will largely depend on how severe the crack is. One of our plumbers can quickly come to your property to find the location of the leak. Then, we’ll repair the damage as quickly as possible.
Over time, sewer line damage can end up causing some of the following problems. This damage will only get worse if it remains unrepaired, so reach out to our team right away for professional help with your repairs.
Health Problems
Untreated sewage is full of bacteria and viruses. If any of the sewage gets in your eyes, open wounds, or mouth, it can make you sick. You may not even realize that some sewage particles have gotten onto your hands and clothing, which makes it even more likely that they’ll end up causing a serious illness.
In fact, sewer lines can also release methane and other gases. If these gases are allowed to build up in small spaces, they can be deadly. Methane causes the smell of rotten eggs, so call for professional help as soon as you notice any unusual scents.
Mold Issues
You never want your walls or floors to remain wet for extended periods of time. If no one realizes that your sewer line is cracked, moisture can seep out and lead to major mold growth.
Foul Odors
One of the most obvious signs of a sewage problem is the odor. It’s a good idea to repair cracked lines right away. Otherwise, the smell can be difficult to get rid of.
Moisture Damage
Besides causing mold and mildew, moisture can cause severe damage to your foundation, walls, carpets, and belongings. You can also see signs of water damage in your yard. Often, a broken water pipe or sewer line will cause pools of water or incredibly green patches of grass.
Costly Repairs
By being proactive about your sewer repairs, you can end up saving money in the long run. Over time, the cracked line can become worse and lead to other problems that are expensive to repair. Additionally, water damage, foul odors, and other side effects can be costly if they aren’t dealt with.
What Causes Cracked Sewer Pipes?
There are many different reasons why a crack can develop in your sewer line. Like the rest of your home’s plumbing, sewer lines have a limited lifespan. As they start getting older, these types of issues are more common.
- Foundation Settling: Over time, the soil around your home starts to shift. This can cause added movement and pressure on your pipes. Eventually, your pipes may crack.
- Corrosion: Cast iron and similar materials are known for corroding in the presence of water. Eventually, chemical reactions with waste and water can cause your pipes to break apart.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots naturally like to grow toward water. Eventually, these invasive roots can push into the pipes. Besides causing holes in the pipe, this can also cause blockages.
- Blockages: If something blocks your sewer line, it can cause pressure to build up. In turn, this can make a hole or crack develop. Then, continued pressure will cause the crack to open up even more.
- Aging Pipes: Even the best quality of lines will not last forever. Degrading material will eventually break down and cause a hole. It’s hard to predict when this will happen, so it’s a good idea to get routine plumbing maintenance to check on the health of aging sewer lines.
What To Do If You Have a Cracked Sewer Line
If you believe that you may have a cracked sewer line, don’t panic. There are a few important steps you can take to ensure your home isn’t damaged by a sudden influx of sewage.
- Stop Using Water: First, you need to completely stop using water. You don’t want to overload your sewer lines even more than they already are. Until you know what is going on with your sewer lines, you want to avoid worsening the hole or crack.
- Investigate the Source of the Problem: Next, investigate the issue. When you call a plumber, you’ll need to describe the symptoms you’re experiencing. For instance, there may be a foul odor, unusually green grass, or a puddle in your yard.
- Call for Professional Help: A sewage leak is a major plumbing emergency. Left untreated, it can harm your family’s health and lead to extensive repairs. Once you notice the leak, call one of our plumbers to get professional help.
How Serious Is a Sewer Line Crack Under My Home?
If the sewer line under your home or in your yard develops a crack, it can lead to significant consequences. It can damage your foundation and contribute to shifting soil under your home. The moisture involved can severely harm your walls, building structure, and flooring.
More importantly, a cracked line can impact the health and well-being of your family. Besides releasing bacteria and viruses into and around your home, your sewage line can also harm your indoor air quality because of the moisture and mold damage it causes.
Get Help With Your Sewer-Related Problems
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we prioritize our customers’ needs. When you’re dealing with a cracked sewer pipe, you can’t afford to be kept waiting. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay! To learn more about our sewage and plumbing services, give us a call today.
