How to check for sewer leaks?

To test for leaks, we take a rubber, inflatable test ball that is connected to an air hose and insert it into the sewer pipe at the main line cleanout. Once it is in place at the perimeter of your home, we inflate the ball to artificially plug the sewer line so that no water flows past it.

What to do if sewage is leaking?

Alternatively, if the sewage leak you’re concerned about is to surface water or a ditch, and you’re not sure who is discharging the water, you would need to contact the Environmental Agency. If sewage is leaking out of your pipes, they may be damaged or have displaced joints, leading to voiding and subsidence issues.

Is Leaking sewage a health hazard?

The most common gas hazards from sewage leaks are hydrogen sulfide and methane. Hydrogen sulfide is toxic, and can cause sickness, disorientation and even death in high doses. Methane can asphyxiate occupants of the house, acting quickly even in small amounts to produce unconsciousness and death.

What to do if your house has a sewage leak?

Contacting your local water business or local council if sewage is leaking outside your property boundary. Your local water business can access the problem. Depending on the leak’s location, this could either be the water business’ or the householder’s responsibility.

Why does my house have a septic tank leak?

Because this sewer line runs downhill from the house to the septic tank it was particularly good at collecting surface water and aiming it all at the septic tank entry port. Because the sewer line was not sealed at the tank, water entered and flooded the septic tank and drainfield.

When is a septic tank not full of effluent?

Effluent leaves the septic tank to be disposed of in a drainfield or for an aerobic system, possibly in a spray dispersal system. The only time a septic tank isn’t “full” is when it’s brand new, just installed, before use, or right after the tank has been pumped and cleaned.

What happens if your home has a sewage overflow?

Direct contact with sewage or surfaces contaminated by sewage can result in illnesses such as gastroenteritis. If your home is affected by a sewage overflow, it is important to take measures to protect yourself and your family by avoiding direct contact with the sewage and any contaminated surfaces.

What happens when you have a sewer leak in Your House?

A leaking sewer water on your main house drain or house sewer can also cause extensive damage if ignored. Sewer water leaking from a pipe joint or broken pipe washes away the soil supporting the drain system. Eventually the leak will undermine your drain pipes and cause sags or separations.

Where is the easiest place to repair a sewer leak?

Repairing a sewer leak inside your home is easier if the pipes are above the ground floor or basement floor. It frequently means removing some sheet rock, and exposing the leaking pipes. This is a relatively easy job.

What to do if you have a sewer leak in your basement?

For instance, seeing water on your basement floor, below your sewer and water service lines, does not automatically mean you have a water main leak. To test if it is leaking sewer water, simply open your house trap and introduce some dye into it. Flush a toilet once or twice, and wait awhile.

How long does it take to diagnose a sewer leak?

Depending on the severity of the sewer leak, it can appear in minutes, or may take hours. This simple test can prevent you from replacing your water service line for no good reason. A dye test can also determine if standing water (a ponding condition) in your yard is from a leaking sewer water.