A sewer might seem like an unnecessary part of the home, but it’s one of the most important. Without it, you would have toxic waste building up in your walls. While durable, sometimes they can break. Below you’ll find more information about what could damage this system and a few signs that you might need to get it examined.

What Damages a Sewer?

There are many things that could damage your sewer. A common cause is corrosion. If your pipes are old or if the soil is too wet, it could cause the metal pipes to break.

Another issue is tree roots. If your septic system is situated near woods or a large tree, you risk its roots growing and wrapping around the pipes.

The last main problem that could damage a sewer is rats. While not always a concern, once they enter this system, they will quickly multiply. They will also try to sharpen their teeth on the pipes, something which could puncture them.

5 Signs Your Sewer is Broken

You Smell a Strong Odor: One of the most common signs that your sewer is broken is that you smell a strong odor near the septic system or coming out of your toilet. This odor is bacteria within the sewer that is escaping through small holes.

The Grass Looks Extra Green Around the Area: While you might appreciate the extra lush grass around your yard, it’s an indication that there’s a problem. This usually shows a leak or that there’s a problem with the surrounding drainfield.

There are Sinkholes: Another thing to watch out for are sinkholes. Sewers will cause this when they allow water and other debris to escape from them. Over time, this will disturb the land and cause it to slowly collapse.

Your Drain is Acting Up: If you find that your home’s drains are having trouble removing water, it could be due to a broken sewer. Many times, this shows that there’s a clog in the pipes leading to the septic system.

You Notice More Pests in Your Home: Numerous pests, like drain flies and cockroaches, enjoy living in your sewer system because it’s dark and moist. It also provides them with a consistent food and water source. If your septic system is damaged, leaks will invite these creatures to enter your home, especially in your kitchen and bathroom.

It’s important to fix your sewer if you notice these signs. RCS can help by refering a qualified plumber in the Sonoma County ariea to fix your septic issues so you don’t need to worry about them spreading.