How Sewer Line Problems Can Cause Foundation Damage
Most homeowners worry about water leaks, especially annoying ones like a dripping faucet. But, not all leaks are so obvious. The sewer lines in your home run deep within the ground and foundation, where a leak can last for many weeks or months before you notice the problem.
Foundation damage is a common result of serious sewer pipe leaks. Fortunately, you can work with our friendly plumbers to quickly locate the leak and perform the necessary repairs. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about protecting your home from damage.
Quick Takeaways
- Sewer lines are made from varying materials that are all vulnerable to potential leaks.
- Replacing cast iron or clay pipes in older homes can prevent sewer line problems.
- Plumbers use visual and camera inspections to find the source of a leak.
- Prompt sewer pipe leak repairs prevent shifting foundations and other forms of damage.
Know the Common Causes of Sewer Line Leaks
Living in Lakeland, FL comes with a lot of perks. But, there are some factors that can lead to a higher risk of sewer pipe problems in the area.
Ground Movement
Florida is well known for its humid climate, frequent rainstorms and sandy soil that can all add up to potential issues for the foundation. If enough ground movement occurs, then you can expect the sewer pipes to also shift out of place.
Aging Pipes
Older neighborhoods often have homes with unique architecture and mature plant life that make them highly sought after. But any pipes older than 30 years are likely ready for replacement.
You’ll especially want to watch out for houses that were built before the late 1970s. These often have clay or cast-iron pipes, which we can replace with PVC or other modern materials.
Tree Roots
This is another issue that is more common in older homes, where the trees have had more time to reach maximum maturity. Tree roots tend to be drawn to the moisture and nutrients that sewer lines provide, and even a small crack can cause a leak that damages the foundation.
Overloading a Concrete Slab
Home builders create foundations with the need to support a specific load in mind. Adding new floors to your house, or even something as simple as a hot tub, can put pressure on sewer pipes.
Improperly Installed Lines
Unfortunately, DIY projects and hasty plumbers can sometimes lead to mistakes with the sewer system’s placement. If a pipe isn’t made from the right materials or properly supported, then you could see sewer line problems develop in the near future.
Watch for Signs of a Sewer Pipe Leak
Sewer leaks and foundation damage don’t always have the dramatic appearance of other types of plumbing problems. Without a whoosh of water flowing out, you’ll need to watch for these subtler signs that it’s time to call our plumber.
- Damp sections of the floor, especially near drain lines in the kitchen or bathroom
- A constant sewer-like smell or musty odor in your home
- Mold and mildew development without an obvious cause
- Cracks showing up on interior or exterior walls, which could also be visible on the slab
- Sticking doors or windows
- Mushy spots on the ground around the fountain
Take These Steps Immediately to Minimize Sewer Leak Damage
Just having a slight suspicion that a sewer leak is happening is a good reason to give our plumbing team a call. While you wait for our plumber to arrive, you can take these steps to minimize the risk of further damage.
- Shut off the main water valve if you spot a major leak
- Avoid excessive water usage
- Check for moist spots or puddles to narrow down the location
- Keep pets and children away from sewer water
- Avoid digging or doing other things that could cause more damage
Understand the Importance of Professional Sewer Line Repair
Some DIY plumbing projects are fairly safe to try for the first time. But, a major sewer leak isn’t the same as fighting a loose valve or screw. Instead, sewer leaks often involve contact with potentially hazardous fluids and fumes. Plus, making a mistake could lead to delays and further leakage that threatens your property.
Professional plumbers can quickly identify the source of the leak using camera inspections that minimize contact with the pipes. Our crew also knows how to perform everything from small crack repairs in the lines to total pipe replacements.
FAQs
Giving this list of common questions a read through can give you peace of mind and confidence in your choice to call a plumber.
What are the most common causes of sewer line problems?
Aging pipes and shifting ground are the two main reasons why we see sewer leaks in our community occurring.
Could cracks in my home’s walls indicate a sewer pipe leak?
Absolutely, cracks in the interior and exterior walls can indicate foundation damage that might be from a sewer leak.
What happens if a sewer pipe leak causes foundation damage?
If we catch the problem early, then you might be able to avoid foundation repair. Long-lasting leaks can further degrade building materials to the point you may need to repair floors, ceilings and walls.
How long does it take to repair a leaky sewer line?
We can often finish a small spot repair in one day, but major fixes could take several days or weeks to fully complete.
What other plumbing services can prevent future leaks?
Drain clearing is one helpful plumbing service that reduces pressure within the sewer system, and pipe replacement is another when your home has aging lines.
How often should you schedule a sewer line inspection?
Modern homes may only need a sewer line inspection every couple of years. We’ll help you set up a schedule for inspections based on your home’s age and the condition of the pipes.
Schedule Sewer Pipe Repairs to Protect Your Home’s Foundation
Every minute that goes by is one that increases the potential damage to your home from a sewer pipe leak. That’s why our professional plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lakeland, FL treat these situations as emergencies.
On top of arriving with all of the equipment that we need to perform a thorough sewage system inspection, we’ll do our best to fix the issue right away! Give us a call at the first sign of any sewer leaks around your home, and we’ll stand by our promise that if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!
