Spotting Trouble Early: Signs That Point to Your Need for a Sewer line Inspection

Owning a home is not always a midnight dream. Sometimes, you also need to deal with headaches and issues that come up. Over the years, your home is bound to need some repairs.

But there are always signs….

Whether it is an outdated toilet or sink or a leaky pipe, this indicates that something is about to go wrong.

Many such issues are indeed fixable without the need for a professional. However, if you notice any specific signs, you can’t just get away with DIY repairs. You need to schedule a sewer line inspection.

If you reside in California, sewer issues are among the most common residential issues you’ll face. These can range from mold growth to low water levels. A sewer line inspection can identify such issues. It’s a comprehensive way to check everything from the exterior to the interior.

So, what are the signs that tell you need a sewer inspection? We’ll cover those in this blog.

Read on to know when to tackle these issues before they go down the drain…

Mold Growth

Mold growth is a common issue in California homes. Often, these issues could lead to more damaging ones that require sewer inspections.

 Higher humidity levels in California are not just to blame for mold growth. In fact, sewer issues are also pretty much to blame. In the United States, 47% of residential buildings experience this issue. California residents living in Riverside County, Los Angeles, are more likely to face challenges with mold growth.

Now, how can we relate mold growth to sewer line issues?

The leaked or cracked sewer line releases water into areas where it shouldn’t be. This creates a perfect environment for mold to breed in.

Mold growth is not immediately apparent. But if you witness any discoloration, dark patches, or fuzzy growth on surfaces, it also indicates mold’s presence.

Sewage Odor

Has there been something foul in the air recently?

Buckle up, as it is now time to schedule sewer line inspections.

The strange sewage odor is a sign that your main drain is broken. Yes, regularly cleaning your toilet and using garbage disposal helps, but something might be hidden under this smell. It can signal leaks, cracks, or blockages in the sewer line.

With a sewer line inspection, you can address the source of such odor. Also, later identify and resolve any underlying issues before they become major and cause further damage.

Drought Induced Stress

Drought is a significant concern in California. The California Department of Water Resources acknowledges the recurring nature of drought in the state. In addition to the damage these events cause, sewer issues also top the list.

During drought periods, you may notice signs of the underlying sewer line issues. Sluggish drainage and, again, sewer odors are two such signs. Your house’s parched and compacted soil also poses a significant risk to sewer line integrity.

When the soil dries out, it exerts increased pressure on the underground infrastructure. This potentially leads to cracks and collapse in sewer lines. And this is surely the time to schedule your sewer line inspection.

Unexplained Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Foundation

If you reside in California, earthquakes are your partner in everything. They are this common. So, considering this, you need to pay more attention to how these can affect your home, even if it’s underground.

If you notice unexplainable cracks suddenly appearing in your home’s floors, walls, or foundation – it’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore.

During earthquakes, the ground moves and puts pressure on sewer lines. This causes them to either break or, a little worse – leak. So, as a California homeowner, you need to keep your eyes open all the time, and the minute you notice such red flags, it’s time to act quickly. Schedule a sewer inspection ASAP to deal with such issues coming your way.

Blockages in Drain

When drains in homes become clogged and water doesn’t flow properly, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the sewer line. These blockages can result in slow draining, water backup, and foul odors.

Most homeowners try to fix these blockages, but they keep coming back. If you’re in a similar situation, it’s a sign that you need professional help, such as sewer line inspections. If you’re hearing strange noises or smelling bad odors from the drains, the problem could be more serious.

California is also home to palm trees and redwoods nearby. These big trees with strong roots can easily damage your home’s sewer lines. So, it’s better to act smarter than to regret it later. Get your sewer line checked by an expert to avoid major problems and keep your plumbing working fine.

Low Water Levels

You might notice low water levels in your home’s toilets, drains, or other plumbing fixtures. This is an important indicator that you need to schedule a sewer inspection.

When water levels in these fixtures are lower than usual (or fail to refill properly), there’s an underlying issue is lurking within the sewer line.

Such occurrences often indicate obstructions, potential blockages, or leaks in the sewer systems. You can’t know for sure until you inspect. It’s better to inspect. Low water levels might also indicate something very serious—sewer line collapse or structural damage.

Inspecting these signs promptly can help you identify issues and prevent further damage.

Conclusion

You don’t want unexpected issues to become a headache and get confused about how to deal with them. So, it is better to notice particular signs and immediately call for inspections. There’s no point in delaying, as it will only worsen the issues.

With a sewer line inspection in place, you can maintain the integrity of your home’s plumbing systems and prevent potential disasters.

Everything could be an early warning of underlying sewer line issues, from mold growth to low water levels. By dealing with these signs and scheduling on-time inspections, you can identify and address issues before they escalate. This will not only save you time in the long run but also money.

To get the best out of your sewer line inspections, you need to hire a reputable and experienced inspection company. You can always contact Elite Commercial Inspections to identify such sewer issues. With our thorough sewer line inspections, you can make your homeownership experience worth it.