If you’re a homeowner, plumbing and sewer issues are probably something you wish you didn’t have to think about. We all take properly functioning sewer lines and plumbing for granted, but it’s important to watch out for warning signs that something has gone wrong. Before you have a serious problem, it’s important to locate reliable local plumbing services so you aren’t desperately trying to find the right plumber at the last minute. It’s also important to know when to hire a plumber, and one of those moments is when you need sewer repair. If you notice any of these warnings signs of sewer issues, be sure to get professional sewer repair as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of even worse problems down the line. Here’s what to look for:

Wet Spots

Are you starting to notice wet spots popping up all over your yard? It might not actually be a wet spot, either. It could manifest as patches of grass that are unusually lush and green. Not only are these unsightly; they are also a terrible health hazard to your family. They could also signal problems in the sewer line that you should get a professional in to look at as soon as possible.

High Water Bills

If your water bills have suddenly gone through the roof, this means there’s something going on. Unless you’ve started washing the car twice a week, there’s a good chance that your sewer line has sprung a leak. Even a small leak can result in huge increases in the water bills in just a short time. If you can’t locate a leak in and around your home, call in a professional to see if you need sewer repair.

Bad Smells

You should never smell odor from the sewers. Never. If you do, something is wrong. Often, the issue is a crack in the sewer line, and that smell is only going to get worse. It could also quickly became a health hazard, so don’t hesitate to get help if you’re smelling anything from the sewer.

Slow Drains

A single slow drain could be a problem with a single drain. If you start experiencing slow drains in more than one location, you need to consider the possibility of a problem in the sewer line. If you’ve tried to clear the blockage but nothing’s working, it’s time to call for professionals to advise you on sewer repair.

Lots of Rats

If you’re seeing lots of rats where you didn’t have a problem before, this can actually be a sign that you are having a problem with the sewer line. Rats live all in and around the main city sewer line, and while they normally ignore the connector lines when they’re in good shape, if those lines are broken or cracked they may start showing up. Rats present a serious hazard to human health, especially if they’re living in the sewer. Call an exterminator, and then call a plumber.

Lots of Insects

Roaches, palmetto bugs, and sewer flies can show up even when the sewer lines are in perfect shape. But if you’ve got an infestation that just won’t go away, or if you eradicated them only to see them keep coming back, there might be something wrong with the sewer line.

Cracks and Sinkholes

If the sewer line is in really bad shape, you might even see cracks in the foundation of your home. Sinkholes may appear in your yard or driveway. If a leak goes on for too long, it will saturate the soil around it and weaken it. This can cause the soil to collapse, taking your foundation with it. Earlier signs can include lots of dips and indentations in the soil along the line where the sewer line runs.

No one wants to have sewage problems, but they can happen to anyone. If you notice any of these signs of a sewer line problem, don’t wait for a small problem to grow into a foundation-cracking nightmare. Call a plumber and find out what’s going on. Finding the right plumber only takes a little research, so get sewer repair right away and minimize your costs and your stress while protecting your home and family.