When you have a plumbing problem, it can be easy to first panic and then rush to try and fix it. After all, your plumbing being out of commission can get inconvenient fast. However, it’s important to take a step back and think about what’s best for your next step. When you have a chance to think clearly, you have a better idea of what you should do and how best to go about it. That can include performing the repairs yourself or calling in a professional, either way, you’ll be able to better know and tell the plumber what the exact problem is, saving everyone involved time and money.
If you catch the problem early enough, fixing it will likely be pretty simple. However, much like anything not dealt with when it becomes a problem, these issues can become much more serious and costly to remedy if left untreated for too long. Here are some quick signs that indicate you have problems with your sewage system:
Your Toilet Has Unusual Stains and Smells
If you notice strange stains in your toilet bowl or if the water in the bowl has an unusual color, that’s a sign that the toilet has some clogging issues. It may just be clogged with paper, which can happen occasionally, or it could be clogged with a build-up of much worse. Either way, many people may assume it’s no big deal and leave it until they have time to clean it. This can easily lead to the toilet never getting fixed until the problem becomes too big to ignore or avoid anymore.
One of the easiest ways to avoid this is to call a plumber, someone like Maitland Winter Park Plumbing, immediately once you notice that the bowl is clogged with no easily discernable reason as to why. You may also notice an unusual smell coming from your toilet or in the air around your bathroom after each use. This could be a clog, but it could also be a sign of broken seals or valves, blocked vent pipes, or a cracked toilet bowl. All of these are problems better handled by a professional.
There Is Water Pooling in the Basement or Crawl Space
While it’s normal to find some water in the basement or crawl space, it should only be in small amounts. If there are large pools, then you likely have a reason to worry. After all, it only takes about 24 hours for the water to start doing damage to your foundation if it’s left to sit.
The reason behind the water could be a number of things, but it will likely be either the result of poor drainage after a storm, a leak, or a sewage issue. Large pools, along with the obvious smell of sewage, are a sign that your sewer system is likely backed up or leaking. The best thing to do is locate and try to repair where the problem is, whether that be fixing a leaking pipe or clearing the blockage, or possibly both. Then it’s imperative you clear away and dry out your basement or crawl space as quickly as possible. This is another instance where it may, in fact, be best to call a professional in order to get it solved quickly and efficiently. Possibly a professional cleaner as well to make sure there’s nothing left behind to pose a health hazard later on.
You See Unexpected Discoloration in Your Yard
If you see discoloration in your yard, it could be caused by raw sewage seeping out of the sewage system. It’s important to note that this is different from the normal discoloration that occurs when water runs through the sewage system, such as when it rains. The normal discoloration will go away when the water runs off your property.
However, if you have raw sewage leaking into your yard, it will not go away on its own. Instead, it will continue to get deposited there. This discoloration may look like a large, brown stain or a yellow substance. It may also be green, black, or orange if the sewage bacteria are different from usual. If you notice this kind of discoloration, you should have it checked out.
A Pipe is Leaking or Broken
A leaking pipe could mean that the sewage system has backed up to the point the pipe has burst. However, some other reasons could include the pipe having been damaged somehow, items that should not have been flushed are now clogging up the pipe to the point of bursting, or the pipe was improperly installed, to begin with. No matter the reason though, it’s vital you focus on getting the problem fixed as quickly as possible.
Some signs that you have a broken sewer pipe include finding water trickling from a pipe or finding mold growing in the area. When a sewer pipe breaks, the water will leak out and come into contact with anything nearby. Over time this can lead to mold growth, water damage, and foul smells throughout the house. If left untreated long enough, the mold growth alone can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. If any of these situations apply to your home, you should call an expert immediately.
If you have any of these signs, you may have a problem with your sewage system. Remember, these are just signs that warrant investigation. In most cases, it just needs to get cleaned out. If you have any of these issues in your home, you must have them looked at as soon as possible.
