Key Details
- Slow drains, foul odors, standing water, and soggy lawns can signal a sewer pipe leak.
- If you smell rotten eggs, check for natural gas leaks as well as sewer line problems.
- Shifting soils and tremors can cause sewer lines to break in northern California.
- Call a licensed plumber if you suspect a problem with your sewer line.
The Hidden Red Flags: How to Spot a Broken Sewer Line
Residential sewer line issues are often hidden from view, but they can quickly lead to costly plumbing repairs and water damage. Learn these common signs of a broken sewer line so you can call a pro for professional sewer repair services.
Multiple slow drains
Just one slow drain in your home is usually a clogged pipe. However, if all your drains are sluggish, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a main sewer line problem.
Bad smells
Sewer gas gives off a foul stench similar to rotten eggs. You might notice this smell outside in your yard or near drains in your home. However, it’s important to make sure that this smell isn’t caused by a dangerous natural gas leak.
Standing water
Sewer line problems can often lead to backups in your plumbing. It’s most common to see standing water or sewage backup around the basement drain. In severe cases backups can impact sinks, toilets, and even shower drains.
Soft patches on the lawn
If an outdoor sewer line breaks, it may leak water and sewage underneath your lawn. This leads to soft patches of earth, bright green grass, and sometimes insect infestations around the area. If you notice any of these changes in your lawn, call a pro for plumbing services and try to avoid walking on that area as it could make the problem worse and lead to health issues.
Why You Smell “Rotten Eggs” Around Your Property
A strong odor of rotten eggs is one of the most common broken sewer line symptoms, but it can also be caused by other things, like a dangerous natural gas leak.
Natural gas leaks
If you smell rotten eggs in or around your home, the first step is to check for a pipeline or natural gas leak. Natural gas is highly flammable and dangerous if inhaled, so it’s important to evacuate the area and call a pro immediately. Even if you suspect the smell is coming from a sewer or plumbing problem, you never want to take chances with gas. Always call a pro to be safe.
Sewer problems
Once you’ve eliminated natural gas as the culprit, there’s a good chance the rotten egg smell is caused by sewer gas. Broken pipes, sewer lines, and septic systems can release sewer gas that has a strong, foul odor. You may notice the smell indoors around toilets and drains if there’s an indoor plumbing issue or clogged sewer line, or it may linger in a specific spot outdoors if you’re dealing with a main line sewer pipe damage.
What Causes Sewer Pipes to Break in Northern California?
There are a number of common issues that can cause sewer pipes to break, including tree root intrusion and aged, worn, or corroded plumbing. In addition to these general factors, there are also some environmental challenges specific to northern California. The state of California sits on a fault line, and earthquakes and smaller tremors can cause your home to shift. Much of Northern California also has a high level of clay in the soil, which expands and contracts as the weather changes. These shifts in the ground from tremors or clay contraction put pressure on your sewer pipes, and can often lead to pipes breaking or bursting.
Why Choose Cozy Home Services for Sewer Repair?
Discover why local homeowners count on Cozy Home Services for expert sewer repairs in northern California.
Expert solutions
At Cozy Home Services, we pride ourselves on delivering long-lasting solutions that work for your home. Our team of licensed plumbers are highly trained and knowledgeable about the challenges of sewer systems in northern California to bring you the highest standard of sewer line repairs.
Great customer service
When you call for sewer line support, we’ll arrive on time and get straight to work. Depending on the problem, we’ll talk to you about different repair or replacement options to help you find the best solution for your home.
Transparent pricing
When our plumbers arrive at your home, we’ll diagnose the issue and provide you with a clear and comprehensive quote. No hidden surprises or unnecessary extras. We also offer an array of specials and coupons to help you save on plumbing and other home services.
Financing Your Sewer Repair: Comfort Within Your Budget
At Cozy, we believe everyone should be able to access the home services they need. That’s why we offer an array of flexible financing options to help you find sewer repairs that fit your budget. We’ve partnered with GoodLeap for a quick and easy system that uses soft credit checks to help you qualify for financing that works for you.
Our Sewer Service Areas
Looking for reliable sewer line services near you? We’re proud to serve our Northern California community with a broad sewer line service area, including zip codes in:
Solano County
- Vacaville (95687, 95688)
- Fairfield (94533)
- Dixon (95620)
Sacramento County
- Sacramento (95814, 95816)
- Elk Grove (95624).
Contra Costa County
- Orinda (94563)
- Walnut Creek (94596)
- Lafayette (94549).
Stop the Damage Before it Spreads – Call Cozy Home
Don’t let a cracked sewer pipe impact your home. Call a pro and protect your home from water damage and structural problems. At Cozy Home Services, we offer emergency repairs for common sewer pipe problems like leaks, tree root intrusions, and collapsed pipes. Contact us today to book your next appointment and keep your sewer running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken sewer line cause my foundation to crack?
Yes, a large break in your sewer line can cause your foundation to crack. This happens because the water from the sewer line erodes the soil around the foundation, and may also cause water damage that leads to shifting in the foundation.
Is a broken sewer pipe covered by homeowners insurance?
A broken sewer pipe may be covered by homeowners insurance, depending on your insurance policy and the cause of the break. It’s more common for sudden breaks to be covered, while wear and tear or aging systems are not usually covered by insurance.
What does a collapsed sewer pipe sound like?
A collapsed sewer pipe can cause gurgling sounds inside your home plumbing, especially in toilets, sinks, and shower drains. These sounds may also be caused by plumbing clogs, so calling a licensed plumber can help determine whether the issue is a collapsed sewer pipe.
Can tree roots break my sewer line?
Yes, tree roots can break your sewer line, especially if you have an older line that’s already prone to leaks. Tree roots will seek out moisture underground, and may find small leaks and turn them into breaks or ruptures.
