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Your sewer pipe is an important part of your home. However, it’s probably something that you don’t think about very often. All the water-based appliances in your home will be connected to it. The wastewater and products from your home are sent through the sewer pipe to the main drains and onto treatment plants.
You should note that the sewer pipe is your responsibility up until the edge of your property. After that, it’s the problem of your local council.
If you have an issue with your sewer pipe you’ll want to take care of it as quickly as possible. That’s why you should invest in a pipe inspection camera. This can be run along the inside of the pipe to confirm an issue. However, you can also use it regularly to confirm that your sewer pipe remains clear and undamaged.
Here are the most common signs that you have a damaged sewer pipe. It will need a sleeve or replacing.
Blockages
There are several reasons why you may have a blockage in your pipes, the wrong items being disposed of is one of the most common. Items such as wet wipes and kids’ toys stick in the pipes and will cause a clog.
As the clog builds your water will drain slower. If the clog becomes a complete blockage then the water won’t drain at all. That’s when you need an emergency plumber.
It’s not just toys and wet wipes that can cause the blockage. A damaged sewer pipe can also cause the pipe to be blocked. The most common causes are tree roots or old age.
Lush Grass
If you spend any time in your garden you’ll know what your grass generally looks like. However, if you suddenly notice that part of your grass is looking more green and lush than usual you’ll need to suspect a damaged sewer pipe.
Firstly, verify where the sewer pipe goes and if the grass is in the vicinity of the pipe. If it is, the sewage from your house is seeping into the ground, providing additional fertilizer for your grass!
Smells
Your hoe has drain traps that hold water, these prevent the sewage smells and methane gas from entering your home. The smells are trapped in the pipe and move away, into the main drains.
But, if the sewer pipe is damaged the aroma will be able to escape. You’ll notice the smell at a specific point n your garden. Again, it will be over the path of the sewer pipe.
Mold
Sewer pipes don’t all run under the ground, they will also run vertically to create a vent point. These pipes are often inside your home or attached to it. When this section of the pipe cracks it will allow water into your walls. This additional moisture will quickly cause mold to appear.
If you notice a new mold issue near where your sewer pipe is, suspect the sewer pipe is damaged.