Sewer Problems - Finding and Fixing Leaks

If you think that you may have a leak with your sewer pipe, then there are a few different ways that you will be able to tell. It is important that you know the signs and what to look for so that you will be able to get the leaks fixed as soon as possible. The longer that a leak remains unfixed the worse it will get. This will eventually end up being something that is going to be a lot more difficult to fix. The sooner you catch the leaks, the easier it will be to fix. This is especially important if you want to fix the pipe yourself to save some money.

Sinking

If you happen to notice that the sewage clean out cap is sinking, then this could be the first sign of a leak. Make sure that you pay attention to how much it is sinking and how long this has been going on. You should also factor in if your area has just gotten a lot of rain as this could actually be the problem as opposed to a leak. If there has not been an over abundance of rain recently, then you will need to check this out to see if there is a leak. Get out a shovel and dig down and around your clean out pipe. As you do this, look closely to see if it is leaking anywhere. It is a good idea for you to have somebody flushing the toilet inside as this will make it easier to see where and if it is leaking.

Professional

If you notice that there is a leak, then you can always call and hire a professional. This is something that a lot of people want to do because they are afraid they will only make the leak worse if they do try to fix it. You can expect a professional to charge you around $100 with labor and materials and service charges. This could vary depending on where you live and who you call. If you don’t want to spend that much on hiring a professional or if you don’t have it to spend, then doing it yourself isn’t too difficult of a job.

Do It Yourself

If your pipes are not aligned, then you are going to need to get the hole dug out larger so that the longer pipe sections that will be needed will be able to make up for the lack of alignment. This is something that you can do that is a little bit more difficult. The easier way to go is to use rubber boot coupling connectors. These connectors will simply slide over your pipes and will be tightened with hose clamps. They are very easy to install as well.

Prevention

While it may be difficult to prevent a leak you will be able to keep a look out for them. It is a good idea to regularly check the area to see if the ground is overly wet or if it appears to be sinking.