Red Flags That Indicate That Your Home's Sewer Line Has Cracked

You may not think about your home's sewer line very often, but it plays a vital role in removing household waste and transporting it to the municipal sewer system. Sewer lines are buried underground and can last for decades without any kind of problems. But, like any other type of pipe in your plumbing system, the sewer line can sustain damage and eventually crack. When a sewer line cracks, it is important to contact a plumber to make the necessary repairs. Thus, as a homeowner, it is in your best interest to know the signs of a cracked sewer line. Some of the red flags that indicate that your home's sewer line has cracked include:

The Smell of Raw Sewage

The sewer line is a closed system, so while it transports all household waste, you never have to deal with the smell of raw sewage. However, when a sewer line cracks, the waste will no longer be contained. It is never normal to detect the smell of raw sewage inside your home or while outside on your property. In the event that you begin smelling raw sewage, call a plumber, and arrange to have your sewer line inspected to determine if it has cracked and is leaking waste.

An Area of Your Lawn is Greener Than Normal

Paying attention to the lawn in your yard can help you determine that your sewer line has cracked and needs to be repaired. When a sewer line cracks and waste begins leaking out of the pipe, the waste can serve as a fertilizer for grass located in the vicinity of the damaged pipe. Thus, a patch of grass right above the crack in the sewer line may be greener and thicker than the rest of your lawn. Don't brush off a patch of extra green, lush grass—it's worth contacting a plumber if you notice something like this in your yard.

Damp Areas in You Yard

After your sewer line cracks, waste will flow out and as the soil surrounding the pipe becomes saturated, the waste will begin to rise. Once the waste nears the surface, the soil above the leak can become damp and soggy. If the crack in your sewer line is especially large, it is possible for wastewater to begin pooling. When you find a damp and soggy area in your yard but you know there has not been any rain, contact a plumber. 

Contact a residential plumbing service for more information.