What causes a drain pipe to break?

Sewer pipe rupture due to shifting soil, settling, increased traffic on the ground above, or use of heavy construction equipment above ground. Corrosion of an older pipe, causing the pipe to break or collapse. Leaking joints where the seals between sections of pipe have broken, allowing water and sewage to escape.

What are the signs of a broken drain pipe?

When your water isn’t on, you may hear the sound of running water You notice a musty odor in your home You notice moisture on your internal flooring You notice mold or mildew at the base of your drapes or underneath either rugs or carpet Your exterior walls have patches of wet grass on them

How can you tell if your sewer line is broken?

You may also notice an increased incidence of rats and other pests, which are attracted to the overflowing water. If your sewer lines are broken, your drainage system will probably function normally, but you’ll eventually notice telltale signs of the breakage in the basement or outdoors.

How can you tell if a sewer pipe is clogged?

The water will be hard to miss, because it will smell like a sewer. If the sewer goes under a paved pathway or driveway, you may notice deterioration of the asphalt, or individual pavers may sink.

What to do if your snake breaks in the drain line?

The sewer pipe will have to be dug up (or at least a portion of it removed), the snake removed and then the pipe repaired. It is not an easy undertaking. If the above methods didn’t work for you, it may be time to call the professionals. They will have the tools to resolve the situation quickly.

Can a snaking drain pipe cause a leak?

If you use the wrong type of drain snake for the drain line, the snake could loop back on itself or scrape the sides of the plumbing pipe, causing damage that could lead to leaks and/or the need to replace the piece of pipe. Hydrojetting is a safer option than snaking a drain.

What are the signs of a broken sewer pipe?

If you notice that certain spots of your lawn have clear indentations, it’s a broken sewer. If the sewer goes under a paved pathway or driveway, you will surely notice a deterioration of the asphalt or individual pavers. In extreme cases, they may sink. 10. Sewage pooling in your lawn Sewage pooling in your lawn is a sure-shot sign of a problem.

How does a snake get out of a drain pipe?

When you have a clog in a drain pipe, the drain snake is snaked down the drain to the clog. The head of the snake contains a coil, hook or claw that is designed to grip the clog and remove it. When it works, the bulk of the clog is pulled out of the drain and the remnants of the clog are flushed into the sewer system with water.

What to do when you get a clog in your plumbing pipe?

When you get a clog in your plumbing drain pipes, you may be torn on whether to use a plumbing snake or hire a professional plumber to hydrojet your lines. Snakes are designed to twist into clogs and pull them out. When it works, the drain is clear.