When sewer problems strike, the first thought most homeowners have is, “Do I really need to dig up my yard to find the problem?” Fortunately, the answer is usually no. Thanks to modern technology and a few telltale warning signs, you can often detect sewer pipe damage without any excavation at all. Knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early before they lead to costly repairs or property damage. Equal Rooter Pipe Lining would like to share how to tell if your sewer pipes may be damaged without tearing up your lawn.
Frequent Drain Backups or Slow Drains
If multiple drains in your home are running slow or worse, backing up, this is one of the most common indicators of a sewer line issue. When only one fixture is clogged, it is usually a local plumbing issue. But if your sinks, showers, and toilets all drain slowly at the same time, the blockage is likely deeper in your main sewer line. Instead of digging, a sewer camera inspection can locate the clog or damage from inside the pipe.
Unpleasant Sewage Odors
Sewer gas should never be noticeable inside your home or around your yard.
If you start smelling a foul, rotten-egg-like odor, it could mean there is a crack or leak in your sewer line that’s allowing gas to escape. A plumber can send a video inspection camera through your pipes to pinpoint where the leak is occurring so no excavation is needed.
Lush, Green, or Soggy Patches in the Yard
Do you have unusually green or soggy patches of grass, even during dry weather? That is a red flag. Leaking wastewater from a broken pipe can fertilize the soil, making the grass above it grow faster and greener. In more severe cases, it can create soft or sunken spots in your yard. A professional inspection can confirm whether these patches are caused by a sewer leak or natural drainage issues.
Gurgling Noises from Your Drains
Strange gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your toilets, sinks, or tubs could signal that air is trapped in your sewer system often due to blockages or cracks. This air tries to escape as wastewater flows through, creating that familiar “glug-glug” noise. A plumber can verify this with a camera scope, determining if the cause is buildup, root intrusion, or a broken line.
Pest or Rodent Infestations
Believe it or not, damaged sewer pipes can be a hidden entryway for rats, roaches, and insects. If you suddenly notice pests inside your home without a clear source, there could be an opening in your sewer line. A camera inspection can confirm whether pests are entering through cracks or separations underground.
Professional Sewer Camera Inspection
Modern plumbing technology means you don’t need to guess or dig to find out what is wrong. A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a waterproof, high-definition camera through an existing access point like a cleanout. This allows plumbers to:
• See real-time video of your pipe’s interior
• Identify cracks, blockages, or corrosion
• Locate tree root intrusions
• Assess the condition of the sewer line
It is quick, clean, and completely non-destructive. If a camera inspection reveals damage, trenchless sewer repair is often the best solution.
Sewer Drain Pipe Lining Repair & Replacement in Greater Miramar, FL | 33023, 33025, 33027, 33029
You don’t need to destroy your landscaping to diagnose a sewer problem. Modern, trenchless repair technology means fixing your sewer line is now faster, cleaner, and far less disruptive than ever before. For trenchless sewer repairs, contact Equal Rooter Pipe Lining today.
