How to Find an Underground Sewer Leak: Signs & Solutions

That surprisingly high water bill you just opened might not be a fluke. It could be the first sign of a serious problem hidden beneath your property. An underground sewer leak is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a silent threat to your home’s foundation and your family’s health. As water and waste seep into the soil, they can cause structural damage, create unsanitary conditions, and lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. The key to protecting your biggest investment is catching the issue early. Learning how to find a sewer leak underground is the critical first step. In this article, we’ll cover the tell-tale signs, from subtle shifts in your yard to changes in your water meter, so you can take action and prevent a small issue from becoming a costly disaster.

Key Takeaways

Listen to your home’s warning signs: A sewer leak often reveals itself through subtle clues long before a major backup occurs. Pay attention to persistent foul odors, slow drains, soggy spots in your yard, or an unexpected spike in your water bill.
Act decisively but let experts handle the diagnosis: While you can perform simple checks like monitoring your water meter, finding the exact source of an underground leak requires professional technology. Calling an expert ensures an accurate diagnosis without destructive guesswork, saving you time and money.
Embrace modern solutions and preventative care: You have less-invasive options like trenchless pipe repair that protect your landscaping and solve the problem efficiently. Afterward, you can prevent future issues with regular inspections and by being mindful of what goes down your drains.

Is Your Sewer Line Leaking? Watch for These Signs

A hidden sewer leak can cause serious problems, but your home often gives you clues long before a disaster strikes. Your senses are your best first line of defense. Paying attention to what you see, hear, and smell around your property can help you catch a leak early and avoid costly damage down the road. If something feels off, it probably is. Here are the most common signs that point to a leaking underground sewer line.

What to Look For

Keep an eye out for subtle changes both inside and outside your home. You might notice damp spots or water damage on your floors and walls, even when there’s no obvious source. Other signs include sewage backing up into your tub or toilets, drains that are slow throughout the house, or an increase in pests like rodents and insects. Outside, look for soggy patches in your yard when it hasn’t rained or new cracks appearing in your home’s foundation or driveway. These are all strong indicators that you may need a residential sewer pipe repair.

What to Listen For

Sometimes, you can hear a leak before you can see it. Turn off all the water-using appliances in your home—the dishwasher, washing machine, and all faucets. In the silence, listen carefully. Do you hear a faint hissing or a rushing sound coming from behind your walls or beneath your floors? That’s the sound of water moving through a broken pipe. This constant noise means water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t be, and it’s a clear signal that something is wrong with your plumbing system.

Unmistakable Smells

This is one sign that’s impossible to ignore. A persistent, foul odor of sewage or rotten eggs inside or around your property is a major red flag. Don’t just light a candle and hope it goes away. That smell is likely sewer gas escaping from a crack or break in your line. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but the gas itself can also be harmful to your health. If you smell sewage, your pipes need immediate attention. A professional cleaning can often identify the source of the problem, whether it’s for your home or a commercial sewer line cleaning for your business.

Sudden Green Patches in Your Yard

Have you noticed a patch of grass in your yard that’s suddenly much greener and more vibrant than the rest of your lawn? While it might look like a healthy spot, it’s often a sign of trouble underground. A leaking sewer line releases a steady supply of water and nutrient-rich waste into the soil directly above it. This acts as a powerful fertilizer, causing the grass in that specific area to grow unusually lush and fast. If you see a random green patch with no other explanation, it’s time to consider that a sewer leak might be the cause.

An Unexpected Spike in Your Water Bill

Your water bill is usually a predictable monthly expense. If you suddenly see a significant jump in your usage that you can’t explain—no new appliances, no long-term houseguests, no filling a swimming pool—a hidden leak is a likely culprit. Water is escaping from a pipe somewhere on your property, and you’re paying for every lost drop. Monitoring your bill is a simple yet effective way to spot a problem before it leads to more serious water damage. If you see a sudden spike, it’s a good idea to schedule a service and have a professional find the source.

How to Check for a Leak Yourself

If you suspect a leak, you don’t have to wait for a professional to start investigating. A few simple checks can help you confirm your suspicions and gather valuable information. Think of yourself as a detective—these steps will help you uncover the first clues. Taking a few minutes to do some of your own reconnaissance can give you peace of mind or confirm that it’s time to call for backup. These DIY methods are straightforward and don’t require any special equipment, just a keen eye and a little bit of patience.

Check Your Water Meter

Your water meter is one of the most reliable tools for detecting a hidden leak. First, you’ll need to find it, which is typically in a concrete box in your front yard near the curb. Once you’ve opened the lid, make sure no water is running inside or outside your house. Look for a small triangle or dial on the meter, often called a flow indicator. If that little dial is spinning, you almost certainly have a leak somewhere. If you don’t see a flow indicator, just jot down the numbers on the meter’s display. Wait two hours without using any water, then check the numbers again. If they’ve gone up, water is flowing somewhere it shouldn’t be.

Inspect Your Yard

Sometimes, the most obvious signs of a sewer leak are right under your feet. Take a walk around your property and look for any unusual changes. Are there soggy spots, puddles, or patches of standing water in your yard, even when it hasn’t rained recently? This can be a tell-tale sign of a broken underground pipe. You might also notice an area of grass that is suddenly much greener and more lush than the surrounding lawn. While it might look nice, this can happen when sewage acts as a fertilizer for the soil. These are strong indicators that you may need a residential sewer pipe repair.

Try the Dye Test

A constantly running toilet is a common source of a surprisingly high water bill. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest leaks to check for. All you need is a bit of dark food coloring or a dye tablet. Add a few drops of the coloring to the water inside your toilet tank—the upper part, not the bowl. Now, walk away for about 20 minutes, and make sure no one flushes the toilet. When you come back, look in the toilet bowl. If you see any of the colored water in the bowl, it means the flapper in your tank isn’t sealing properly, causing a persistent and wasteful leak.

Listen for Water Sounds

Your ears can also be a useful tool for leak detection. For this check, you’ll want your house to be completely quiet. Turn off the TV, music, and any appliances that make noise. Go to where your main water line enters your home and listen closely. Can you hear a faint hissing or rushing sound? You can also try this outside by listening near outdoor spigots. While it’s not a definitive test, the sound of running water when everything is turned off can help you narrow down the problem area. It’s a simple step that can sometimes point you in the right direction before you call for help.

Get a Closer Listen

While your ears are a good starting point, professional plumbers use advanced tools to pinpoint the exact source of a leak. We use sensitive electronic listening devices and ground microphones that can hear the sound of water escaping a pipe deep underground—something you’d never be able to detect on your own. Sometimes, we can even pressurize the pipes with air to make the sound of a leak louder and easier to find. If your own listening attempts don’t reveal anything but you still suspect a problem, it’s a sign that the leak is likely buried deep. When you’ve done all you can, it’s time to schedule a service with experts who have the right equipment.

How Professionals Pinpoint Leaks

When you suspect a sewer leak, the last thing you want is for someone to start digging up your yard based on a guess. That’s why professionals rely on advanced technology to find the exact location and cause of the problem. Using specialized equipment allows for a precise diagnosis, which means a faster, more effective, and less destructive repair. This approach saves you time, money, and the headache of unnecessary excavation on your property. It’s the difference between a targeted solution and a messy, expensive ordeal.

These modern methods take the guesswork out of the equation. Instead of relying on trial and error, technicians use tools that can see, hear, and even sense temperature changes underground. This allows them to create a clear picture of what’s happening inside your pipes without disturbing your home or landscaping. From high-definition cameras to sensitive acoustic listeners, these tools are essential for any residential sewer pipe repair. Knowing exactly what’s wrong and where it is allows for a strategic approach, ensuring the fix is right the first time. Let’s look at some of the key technologies professionals use to pinpoint leaks with accuracy.

Video Camera Inspections

One of the most effective tools in a plumber’s arsenal is a waterproof video camera. A technician will guide a small, high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable directly into your sewer line. This gives them a real-time, firsthand look at the condition of your pipes from the inside. They can see the exact location of cracks, corrosion, blockages from grease buildup, or invasive tree roots. This visual evidence makes it easy to understand the nature and severity of the problem, ensuring the right repair method is chosen from the start. It’s a simple, direct way to get answers without any speculation.

Acoustic Listening Tools

Some leaks are impossible to see but can be heard. Professionals use sophisticated acoustic listening equipment to detect the distinct sound of water escaping from a pressurized pipe. These sensors are incredibly sensitive and can pick up subtle hissing or rushing noises deep underground. By moving the device along the path of the sewer line, a technician can listen for where the sound is loudest. This spot marks the precise location of the leak, making it an excellent method for finding hidden problems without any digging. It’s a highly focused technique that isolates the issue with remarkable precision.

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Before any digging begins, it’s crucial to know what lies beneath the surface. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-invasive technology that works like an ultrasound for your yard. It sends radar signals into the ground to create a map of underground utilities, including sewer lines, water pipes, and electrical conduits. Using GPR helps technicians confirm the exact depth and location of your pipes, preventing accidental damage to other utilities. This step is fundamental to planning a safe and efficient trenchless pipe repair, as it ensures the work is done without any dangerous surprises.

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is a straightforward yet highly effective way to find leaks in your drain and sewer lines. In this process, a technician gently pushes a non-toxic, odorless smoke through your plumbing system. If there are any cracks, breaks, or faulty connections in the pipes, the smoke will follow the path of the leak and rise to the surface. This creates a visible plume of smoke, giving a clear, visual confirmation of the leak’s location. It’s particularly useful for identifying issues in drain lines and other parts of your sewer system that aren’t under constant water pressure.

Infrared (Thermal) Cameras

Water from a leak can change the temperature of the surrounding soil, concrete, or drywall. Infrared, or thermal, cameras are designed to detect these subtle temperature differences. When a professional scans an area with a thermal camera, a leaking pipe will often appear as a cool spot against the warmer, dry background. This technology is especially valuable for finding leaks hidden behind walls or under concrete slabs inside your home. It’s another powerful, non-destructive tool that helps locate the source of a problem without having to tear anything apart just to investigate.

Know When to Call a Professional

While trying a few DIY checks can be a good first step, some plumbing problems are best left to the experts. An underground sewer leak is one of them. Guessing can lead to more extensive damage, costing you more time and money down the road. A professional has the right tools and experience to accurately find the source of the leak without turning your yard into a construction site. Knowing when to put down the shovel and pick up the phone is key to protecting your property and resolving the issue efficiently.

If the Signs Are Serious

Some signs of a sewer leak are too significant to ignore. If you notice sinkholes forming in your yard, persistent foul odors that won’t go away, or visible water pooling on the surface, it’s time to call for help immediately. These are indicators of a potentially major break in the line that requires urgent attention. Attempting to handle these issues yourself can be unsafe and may worsen the problem. A professional can assess the situation quickly and recommend the safest course of action for a residential sewer pipe repair, preventing further damage to your property and the surrounding environment.

When DIY Checks Aren’t Enough

So, you’ve done the water meter test, but the results are confusing. Or maybe you suspect a leak because of a high water bill, but you can’t find any obvious signs in your yard. This is the point where your DIY investigation should end. Finding an underground leak often requires specialized equipment that goes beyond what a homeowner has on hand. Continuing to search without the right tools can be frustrating and fruitless. Instead of spending another weekend searching for clues, trust a professional to take over. They can pinpoint the problem with precision, saving you from the headache of a prolonged search.

The Advantage of an Expert Eye

Hiring a professional leak detection company gives you access to advanced technology and years of hands-on experience. Experts use tools like video cameras that can travel inside your pipes and acoustic listeners that can hear water escaping underground. They can even find the exact path of your sewer line if you’re not sure where it runs. This expertise means they can find the problem without destructive digging. This targeted approach is especially important for solutions like trenchless pipe repair, which relies on knowing the precise location of the damage to fix the pipe from the inside out.

Clear Signs You Need an Expert

If you’re still on the fence, here are some clear indicators that it’s time to bring in a professional. Look for soggy spots or unusually lush, green patches of grass in your yard, as these can be fed by a leaking sewer line. Foul odors, foundation cracks, or an increase in pests like rodents can also signal a hidden sewer issue. If your water meter continues to run even after you’ve shut off all the water inside your home, you almost certainly have an underground leak. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse; it’s best to schedule a service call and get a definitive answer.

What Causes Underground Sewer Leaks?

Underground sewer leaks rarely happen out of the blue. They’re usually the result of specific issues developing over time. Understanding what causes these leaks can help you spot problems early and know when it’s time to call in a professional. From the natural aging process to unexpected damage, here are the most common culprits behind a leaking sewer line.

Aging Pipes

It’s easy to forget about pipes you can’t see, but they have a lifespan just like any other part of your home. Most sewer lines are built to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. As they get older, materials like cast iron can corrode and clay pipes can become brittle, making them much more likely to crack under pressure. If you live in an older home, your pipes may simply be reaching the end of their service life. Wear and tear is inevitable, and eventually, you may need a residential sewer pipe repair to replace the deteriorating sections and prevent a major failure.

Shifting Soil and Weather

The ground beneath your property isn’t as static as it looks. Soil erosion, heavy rains, and even minor seismic activity common in Southern California can cause the ground to shift. This movement puts an incredible amount of stress on rigid sewer pipes. A sudden shift can cause pipes to misalign, bend, or break, creating an instant leak. Over time, even subtle ground movement can weaken pipe joints and lead to persistent, slow leaks that saturate the surrounding soil. This is one of the trickiest causes to predict, as it’s entirely dependent on environmental factors.

Pipe Damage and Blockages

Sometimes, the problem starts from within. A severe clog from grease, “flushable” wipes, or other debris can create immense pressure inside the pipe, eventually causing it to crack or burst. On the other hand, external damage can also be the cause. Corrosion can eat away at metal pipes over the years, creating weak spots that are prone to leaking. An accidental impact during a landscaping or construction project can also puncture or crush a sewer line. Keeping your pipes clear with regular residential drain cleaning services is a great way to prevent pressure-related damage from building up.

Intrusive Tree Roots

Trees add a lot of value to a property, but their roots can be a major threat to your sewer lines. Roots are naturally drawn to the consistent source of water and nutrients inside your pipes. They can work their way into the tiniest cracks or joint gaps in a sewer line. Once inside, they expand and act like a wedge, splitting the pipe open and causing significant blockages and leaks. This is one of the most frequent causes of sewer line damage, especially in yards with mature trees. Often, the best solution is a trenchless pipe repair, which can fix the line without having to dig up your entire yard.

The Hidden Dangers of a Sewer Leak

A sewer leak is one of those home maintenance issues that goes far beyond a simple inconvenience. It’s a serious problem with consequences that can affect your family’s health, your home’s structural integrity, and even the local environment. Understanding the full scope of the danger is the first step toward protecting your property and everyone in it. A slow drip underground can quickly spiral into a major hazard, so recognizing the risks and acting fast is key.

Health Risks from Contamination

First and foremost, a sewer leak is a significant health hazard. Raw sewage is teeming with harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can make your family sick. When a pipe leaks, these contaminants can saturate the soil in your yard where kids and pets play, or even find their way into your home through foundation cracks. Exposure to sewage or the gasses it releases can lead to symptoms like nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Your family’s well-being is the top priority, which is why it’s so important to address any sign of a leak immediately. If you suspect a problem, it’s best to schedule a service call for a professional assessment before it puts anyone at risk.

Damage to Your Property’s Foundation

Beyond the health concerns, an underground sewer leak can silently cause catastrophic damage to your home. As water escapes the pipe, it saturates the soil around and under your foundation. This constant moisture can cause the soil to shift or erode, weakening the very ground your house stands on. Over time, this can lead to cracks in your foundation, walls, and floors. You might also notice doors that suddenly stick or floors that feel uneven. These are classic signs of a shifting foundation. Addressing the source of the leak with a professional residential sewer pipe repair is the only way to stop the damage and prevent thousands of dollars in future structural repairs.

Harm to the Local Environment

The impact of a sewer leak doesn’t stop at your property line. When untreated sewage escapes, it contaminates the soil and can seep into the local groundwater. This pollution can travel to nearby storm drains and streams, eventually reaching our Southern California waterways and beaches. This poses a real threat to local ecosystems, harming plants, fish, and other wildlife. Fixing a leak is a responsible step toward protecting our shared environment. By addressing the issue quickly, you’re not just protecting your home; you’re helping keep our community’s natural resources safe. Modern solutions like trenchless pipe repair offer an effective fix with minimal disruption to your yard and the surrounding area.

Found a Leak? Here’s What to Do Next

Discovering a sewer leak can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan of action makes all the difference. Instead of panicking, focus on a few immediate, practical steps to protect your property and get the problem solved efficiently. The key is to contain the damage, document the situation for your records, and bring in an expert who can offer the right solution. Acting quickly helps prevent a minor issue from turning into a major headache involving costly water damage or foundation problems.

Think of it as a three-step process: take immediate control, gather your evidence, and then work with a professional to choose the best path forward. This approach ensures you’re not just fixing the leak but also setting yourself up for a smooth insurance process and a lasting repair. We’ll walk through exactly what to do, so you can feel confident and prepared.

Your First Steps

Before you do anything else, if you can safely access it, shut off your home’s main water valve. This simple action can stop the flow of water and prevent further damage while you figure out your next move. Once the water is off, your very next call should be to a professional plumber. While it might be tempting to try and find the source yourself, underground leaks require specialized equipment to locate accurately without tearing up your entire yard. A professional can quickly and safely diagnose the problem, which is essential for getting the right residential sewer pipe repair. Don’t wait for the damage to get worse; getting an expert on-site is the most important first step.

Document Everything for Insurance

While you wait for the plumber to arrive, grab your phone and start documenting everything. Take clear photos and videos of any visible signs of the leak—puddles in the yard, water stains on walls or ceilings, cracks in the foundation, or any other damage you’ve noticed. This evidence is incredibly valuable if you plan to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. A professional plumbing company will also provide you with a detailed report, often including footage from a video camera inspection. This expert documentation confirms the cause and extent of the leak, making your insurance claim much stronger and the process far less stressful.

Decide on a Repair Method

Once a professional has assessed the situation, they’ll walk you through your repair options. For many underground sewer leaks, you won’t be stuck with a giant trench in your yard. Modern methods like trenchless pipe repair allow plumbers to fix pipes with minimal digging, preserving your landscaping and driveway. In other cases, a traditional excavation might be necessary. Your plumber will explain the pros and cons of each method based on your pipe’s material, the location of the leak, and the severity of the damage. They’ll give you the information you need to make an informed decision that works for your property and your budget.

Your Sewer Line Repair Options

Once you’ve confirmed a leak, the next step is figuring out the best way to fix it. Facing a sewer repair can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is the key to feeling in control. Technology has come a long way, giving you more choices than just digging up your entire yard. The two main approaches are the traditional dig-and-replace method and modern trenchless repairs. Each has its place, and the right one for you depends on the extent of the damage, the location of the pipe, and your budget. Let’s break them down so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Traditional Dig-and-Replace Repairs

This is the method most people picture when they think of sewer repair. As the name suggests, it involves excavating a trench to physically access and replace the damaged section of pipe. For major issues with collapsed or severely broken lines, sometimes digging up the old pipe is the only way forward. While it’s a proven and effective solution for residential sewer pipe repair, it’s also the most disruptive. This process can mean tearing up your lawn, garden, driveway, or patio, leading to additional restoration costs and time once the plumbing work is done.

Modern Trenchless Pipe Repair

Imagine fixing the pipe from the inside out, without the giant trench. That’s the magic of trenchless technology. Using just one or two small access points, we use advanced trenchless techniques to fix or replace sewer lines efficiently—saving you time, money, and disruption. Methods like pipe lining create a brand-new, durable pipe right inside the old one, sealing cracks and preventing future root intrusion. This approach to trenchless pipe repair is much faster and keeps your beautiful Southern California landscaping intact, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want a less invasive fix.

Comparing the Costs

Let’s talk money. No matter which method you choose, a sewer line replacement is a significant investment. It will cost thousands of dollars to replace the pipe, and there’s no way you can live in a house without a properly functioning sewer system. While a traditional repair might have a lower initial quote, you have to factor in the secondary costs of restoring your property. Trenchless repairs might seem more expensive upfront, but they can save you thousands in landscaping, concrete work, and time. The best way to know for sure is to have a professional assess your specific situation. We can help you weigh the pros and cons and provide a clear estimate so you can choose the right path forward when you schedule a service with our team.

How to Prevent Future Sewer Leaks

Dealing with a sewer leak is stressful enough. Once it’s fixed, the last thing you want is a repeat performance. The good news is that you can take simple, proactive steps to protect your pipes and keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly. A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding future headaches and costly repairs. By being mindful of your plumbing’s health, you can significantly reduce the risk of facing another underground leak.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Think of your sewer lines like your car—they need regular check-ups to perform their best. Scheduling routine inspections allows a professional to spot potential trouble, like minor cracks or early-stage blockages, before they turn into major emergencies. Using advanced video camera technology, we can get a clear view inside your pipes without any disruptive digging. Catching these issues early is the single best way to maintain the health of your plumbing system. If you want to stay ahead of problems, it’s a good idea to schedule a service call to have your sewer lines checked periodically. This simple step provides peace of mind and protects your property from unexpected damage.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

Your drains and toilets are not magic trash cans. Treating them with care is a crucial part of preventing clogs that can lead to pressure buildup and leaks. Make it a household rule to never flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Common culprits that cause serious blockages include so-called “flushable” wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, and hair. In the kitchen, avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or eggshells down the sink. These items build up over time, creating stubborn clogs that can stress your pipes. Keeping your drains clear is a simple, everyday habit that makes a huge difference in preventing the need for residential drain cleaning services.

Save Money in the Long Run

While preventative maintenance has an upfront cost, it’s a small investment compared to the expense of an emergency repair. A burst sewer line can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage, foundation issues, and extensive landscaping repairs. Even a small, undetected leak can waste a surprising amount of water, driving up your utility bills month after month. By taking proactive steps like regular inspections and being careful with your drains, you’re not just protecting your pipes—you’re protecting your wallet. You can avoid the high costs and major disruptions associated with extensive fixes, like needing a trenchless pipe repair, and keep your home safe and sound.

Common Myths About Sewer Leaks

When it comes to sewer lines, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you—or at least, your property and your wallet. Misconceptions about how sewer leaks work can cause homeowners to delay necessary repairs, leading to more extensive and expensive damage down the road. Let’s clear up a few common myths so you can act with confidence if you ever suspect a problem with your pipes.

Myth: Leaks Are Always Obvious

It’s easy to assume a sewer leak would announce itself with a dramatic sewage backup in your shower. While that certainly happens, most leaks start small and stay hidden. You might dismiss a faint, musty smell in your basement or a patch of unusually lush grass in the yard as something else entirely. Signs like constantly running toilets, slow drains, or gurgling sounds can be early warnings from your plumbing system. Ignoring these subtle clues gives a small leak time to erode soil, damage your home’s foundation, and saturate your yard, turning a minor fix into a major residential sewer pipe repair.

Myth: New Pipes Can’t Leak

Just because your home is new doesn’t mean your sewer lines are invincible. While older pipes are more susceptible to corrosion and age-related wear, new pipes can fail for other reasons. Improper installation, shifting soil from weather changes, or pressure from nearby construction can cause cracks or joint separations in brand-new PVC or copper pipes. Even something as simple as a landscaping project can accidentally damage a line. A hidden underground leak can run up your water bill and cause significant property damage, regardless of how old your plumbing is. That’s why professional inspection is key, even in newer homes.

Myth: You Can Always Fix It Yourself

Tackling home improvement projects yourself can be incredibly rewarding, but sewer line repair is a job best left to the professionals. Without the right equipment, finding the exact source of an underground leak is nearly impossible. You could end up digging up your entire yard searching for a small crack. Professionals use specialized tools like video cameras and acoustic listening devices to pinpoint the problem precisely. This targeted approach saves you time, money, and a massive headache. A botched DIY repair can easily make the situation worse, so when you notice the signs of a leak, your best move is to schedule service with an experienced team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my sewer lines inspected? There isn’t a single magic number, but a good rule of thumb is to have a professional video inspection every few years. If you live in an older home with its original pipes or have large, mature trees in your yard, you might consider more frequent check-ups. An inspection is a simple, preventative step that can catch small issues like minor cracks or root intrusion before they become a major crisis.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover a sewer line repair? This is a tricky one because coverage can vary quite a bit between policies. Generally, most standard policies will help cover the cost of damage the water leak causes to your home, like warped floors or ruined drywall. However, the cost to actually repair the broken pipe itself is often not covered unless you have a specific add-on. Your best bet is to review your policy and call your agent. Having a professional report from a company like ours, complete with video evidence, can make the claims process much smoother.

My house is brand new. Do I still need to worry about sewer leaks? It’s a common thought, but unfortunately, new homes aren’t immune to sewer problems. While you won’t have to worry about old, corroded pipes, issues can still arise. Things like shifting soil from recent construction, accidental damage during landscaping, or even improper installation can cause leaks in brand-new pipes. It’s always wise to pay attention to the warning signs, no matter how old your home is.

What’s the difference between a simple drain clog and a sewer line problem? This is a great question. If you have one slow drain, like a single sink or shower, the problem is likely a local clog right there in that specific pipe. However, if you notice multiple drains acting up all over the house, hear gurgling sounds from your toilets, and smell foul odors, that points to a bigger issue in your main sewer line. These system-wide symptoms are your cue that the problem is beyond a simple clog and needs a professional look.

Is trenchless repair always the better option? Trenchless repair is a fantastic, modern solution that saves your landscaping and is often faster than traditional methods. For many situations involving cracks or root damage, it’s the ideal choice. However, it isn’t a silver bullet for every problem. If a pipe is severely collapsed or has lost its structural integrity, a traditional excavation might be the only way to ensure a proper, lasting fix. A professional will assess the specific damage and recommend the most effective solution for your situation.