Did you know that water is a common denominator in about 80% of all infectious diseases? Diarrhea, cholera, and E. coli infections are just to name a few of these water-borne hazards.
Raw sewage and wastewater, in turn, are some of the top causes of water-borne illnesses. Exposure to these harmful matters can occur if you have a damaged, leaking sewer pipe.
That’s why it’s best you learn how to tell if a sewer pipe is leaking. This way, you can reduce your household’s risks of developing contagious illnesses.
Ready to investigate your home for potential sewer pipe leaks? Then let’s get right into it!
Your Home Smells Like a Sewer
As waste breaks down, it produces gases, including ammonia, methane, and sulfur. These are what you call “sewer gases.” These aerosolized byproducts give sewage a pungent or putrid smell.
Sulfur smells like rotten eggs, while ammonia smells like a strong chemical. Methane itself is odorless, but it can be a health hazard in high doses. Exposure to this gas can lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue, among others.
A leaking sewer pipe can release these gases into your home. So, if such foul odors permeate your home, it’s time to get your sewer lines inspected. A plumber or a pipe relining company can take care of your needed sewer pipe repair.
Moldy or Stale Odors
If a sewer pipe is leaking, it can release waste particles and contaminate indoor air. For instance, cracks in sewer pipes can allow sewage particles to become airborne.
So, it’s no wonder that indoor air can have pollutant doses two to five times greater than those in outdoor air.
At the very least, the leaks from a damaged sewer pipe can trigger indoor mold and mildew growth. If this happens, your house may also smell musty or stale, aside from smelling like sewer gases.
Note, too, that a liter of wastewater alone can already harbor 1,000 to 10 million virus particles. That’s on top of the 100,000 to 10 billion units of E. coli bacteria found in every liter of untreated sewage. These raw wastes also contain many other harmful bacteria, parasites, and protozoans.
Pooled Water or Damp Spots on Your Lawn
Sewer lines can crack due to all the extra weight and stress placed on them by pipe clogs. They may also sustain damage due to tree root encroachment. From here, the damaged sewer pipe leaks wastewater, and over time, the liquid can rise to the surface of the soil.
So, if certain parts or patches of your lawn is always damp or wet, you most likely have a leaking sewer pipe.
Noticeably Greener, Healthier Outdoor Plants
If you have a leaking sewer pipe, you may notice that some of your garden plants are greener and healthier. That’s because sewage and wastewater contain phosphorus, a key mineral for plant growth. As such, a damaged sewer pipe can be feeding your outdoor flora with more nutrients.
Use This Guide on How to Tell if a Sewer Pipe Is Leaking ASAP
Now that you know how to tell if a sewer pipe is leaking, it’s best to call a plumber if you think you have this issue. Remember: Long-term exposure to sewer gases can be detrimental to your health. Besides, you wouldn’t want to keep living in a foul-smelling home, would you?
So, don’t put off having your sewer pipes inspected and repaired!
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