An Overgrown Lawn Could be a Sign of a Sewer Line Leak
06/07/22
For most Cincinnati homeowners, a bright, lush lawn is a dream. But this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if your lush lawn is caused by a sewer line leak.
When sudden dense patches occur on a lawn that’s normally a little lackluster, there could be a bigger problem afoot. Sewer pipes, especially in older homes, can be subject to cracks, leaks, and breaks.
Sometimes, a small leak can supply enough water and natural fertilizer to make the average lawn look like a lavish jungle. Here are some other signs to watch for if you think your green grass could be from a sewer leak.
Water Main Leak
Nearly all homes have a water main. This is the line that brings water from the city’s supply into your home. Most of the time, the main water line is at the edge of your property.
When suspicious spots of grass begin to pop up around the property line, or in a specific area, it’s usually a sign of a water main leak.
A leak in this line can be a headache for a variety of reasons. First, you need to determine if the leak is the city or the homeowner’s responsibility. Most of the time, it depends on where the leak occurred.
Leaks that happen between the meters and water main are the city or county’s responsibility. However, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to keep their water meters open and accessible to city officials. If water meters are unavailable or inaccessible, any leak is the homeowner’s responsibility, no matter where it is.
Were the leak to happen in the front yard, it is the homeowner’s responsibility. Any pipes directly on your property are your obligation.
Sewer Line Leak
The sewer system is perhaps one of the most important parts of a home’s plumbing system. It safely transports biological waste from your home to a processing plant. Every pipe in your home leads to the sewer line, and then runs it down to the municipal sewer system.
When you’re dealing with a broken sewer line, it’s going to be a bit more obvious than a water main leak. First, you’ll definitely smell a sewer line leak. Due to the nature of sewage, you’ll notice an obvious foul odor coming from your lawn. You’ll want this checked out right away because it could leak into your drinking water.
Deteriorated sewer pipes can also be the cause behind cracked foundations and even sinkholes. Any time you even suspect a sewer line leak, it’s important to bring in a professional as soon as possible.
Sprinkler or Other Landscaping Issues
Another reason for pooling, or bright patches of green, in your yard are broken sprinkler lines. See how your lawn looks after running the sprinklers. If you see any pools or puddles, your sprinkler system is to blame.
However, there are a few exceptions to this. Some homes are built on soil that’s compacted or rocky, which means there’s poor drainage. Also, your home may not be properly graded.
Property graded homes will have the soil slope away from the foundation. Meaning any water should flow away from the home, not get stuck in little pools and puddles.
Another big issue is tree roots. Roots naturally grow towards a water source. When a pipe is leaking, tree roots are drawn to the water and can grow into your pipes. This creates a massive obstruction that needs to be removed by a professional plumber.
Increased Water Bill
An important thing all homeowners should do is check their monthly water bill. Not just for accuracy, but to make sure the price stays the same. A sudden spike in your water bill is a sign that something is wrong, and you may be dealing with a water leak.
Low Water Pressure
One of the best things in the world is getting into a nice shower after a long day, but what happened to cause the water pressure to drop?
Leaks and breaks in any outdoor pipes can cause water pressure in the home to quickly drop. However, low water pressure can also be attributed to other issues, such as buildup in the pipes.
Unlike other home problems, you can’t see your pluming system. There’s no way to open up the hood and see inside. This is one of the many reasons why it’s so important to call a professional when anything goes wrong with your plumbing.
For the best in Cincinnati, call the professionals at 333 Help! We offer the best in high-quality drain and sewer services. Either dial the number at the top of the screen or click here to schedule an appointment online.
Posted in: Plumbing
