Caribbean homes are extravagant. No one wants their oceanfront property to have issues, but occasionally, troubles arise. One of which is a broken sewer line, which has many issues you must watch out for. Here are some common signs your sewer line needs repair that you’ll want to know to protect your house and yard.

Sewage Backups

Sewage backup applies to consistent plumbing issues where sewage backs up every time you flush. While backups or blockages happen, consistent blockages are a strong indicator of issues with your sewer line. Check throughout your entire home’s drainage system to see if more than one drain clogs. If so, there’s a sewer line that needs repair.

Slow Drains

Similarly, slow drains are not inherently a cause for alarm. Usually, a plunger or spider tool can unclog the problematic drain. However, if unclogging techniques fail, you may need to call a professional sewer line service to remedy the situation. That’s because clogged large drains require repair on the direct line rather than through individual drains. Professional sewer maintenance crews will inspect the adjacent sewer line and conduct the appropriate excavation technique to remedy the situation.

Odorous Water

If your water smells odorous, that’s a clear sign something is wrong with your water main. Intact sewer lines are airtight, meaning no odor escapes. Sulfuric smells, like rotten eggs, indicate a breakage in that line. If you smell sulfur or other toxic fumes, call a plumber right away. Also, avoid drinking or bathing in the water until a plumber resolves the issue. You don’t want to get sick from drinking contaminated water, as sewage water contains harmful bacteria.

Septic Waste

With that, septic waste is a common sign your sewer line needs repair; in fact, it’s the most obvious sign of a broken sewer line or water main. Damaged outdoor sewer lines may cause pools of septic waste throughout your yard. This causes unpleasant smells and sights and damages your landscape. Again, as with any of these issues, call a professional to fix the situation. They have the tools to repair your sewer line and save your yard.

A pipe bursting in the house is every homeowner’s worst fear. It could also cause a fair amount of damage to your home and belongings. Rather than wait for the worst-case scenario, note the telltale signs a pipe burst in your home. That way, you can call a plumber before an emergency arises.

High Water Bill

When your water bill is far higher than it should be, there’s cause for alarm. As you evaluate your water bill, note whether you’ve used a lot of water recently. For example, filling a pool and taking frequent baths could cause a spike.

However, if your water usage routine has remained steady, then there may be a leak in your water line. Call an expert as soon as possible to rule this factor out and prevent any potential water damage.

Low Water Pressure

Whether you’re turning on the faucet or trying to take a shower, you may notice that the water pressure is lower than expected or fluctuates between high and low.

Often, these changes in water pressure are symptoms of a burst or clogged pipe. When there’s a leak in your pipe, some of the water escapes as it travels down the line, which lowers the pressure.

Whistling Pipes

As you turn your water on and off, you may notice an odd whistling sound coming from the pipes. Similarly, you may hear what sounds like running water despite all the faucets in your home remaining off. Both indicate a leak in your water system and give you a reason to contact an expert.

Soft Spots on the Lawn

Maybe you haven’t noticed too much issue inside your house, but you have soggy spots in your yard. Look out for especially green patches of grass or pools of water near the driveway or sidewalks—the ground may even feel softer than the surrounding area when you stand on it.

If a repair expert finds a problem with your water line, they may utilize a trenchless method for repair. By knowing how the various types of trenchless methods work, you can better understand how experts can fix the pipe without destroying your landscaping.

Discolored Water

Brown or otherwise discolored water is another telltale sign a pipe burst in your home. In this case, you need to contact a professional promptly, as sediment or rust could contaminate your water.

And if the water smells sulfurous—often compared to rotten eggs—then there could be a sewage leak. Regardless of what sign you notice, calling an expert right away decreases the chance of the hefty expenses that accompany water damage.