Indoor plumbing is an essential part of every home. You depend on your pipes and sewer lines to keep everything moving in the right direction — but sometimes, clogs and backups happen. The plumbers at Do It Right Plumbing Sewer & Drain Services in Minneapolis, MN, specialize in sewer line repairs. They’re here to explain the common signs of pipe damage and how you can protect them.

3 Signs of Sewer Line Damage

1. Slow Drains

If you’ve noticed the sink, shower, or bathtub takes a long time to drain, it could mean that a blockage is forming in your pipes. Left unchecked, this problem could lead to a sewage line backup and a huge mess. Instead of using a chemical drain cleaner, call a company that specializes in residential plumbing. Commercial drain cleaners sit in pipes and can eat away at cast iron or PVC. 

2. Sewer Odors

Do you keep your home clean, but just can’t seem to get rid of that sewage smell? Lingering odors are an indication of sewer gas, which means there’s probably a crack in one of your pipes. A sanitary sewer system is completely sealed and never leaks, so any odor is a bad sign. Call a plumber to help you determine where the smell is coming from.

3. Sinkholes & Foundation Cracks

Sinkholes and structural damage are some of the more extreme examples there’s something wrong with your sewer line. If the main pipe underneath your foundation develops a leak, it can create a large void that will lead to cracks in your foundation, cause it to settle, or create a sinkhole.

If you notice any of these signs of sewer line damage, call a plumber immediately. Waiting too long — for example, until the sewer line fails — could cost thousands of dollars more than just paying for basic plumbing repairs. To make an appointment with Do It Right Plumbing Sewer & Drain Services, call (612) 388-8524. For plumbing tips, check out their Facebook page. For a complete list of plumbing repair services, visit the website.