Home Sewer Issues: Importance and Odor Signs

There are certain cases where home systems that are dealing with issues will give off some notable signs, and problems in the main sewer line are a good example. These will often give off some red flags that indicate their presence, and these can be especially noticeable during a home inspection as part of a sale or any other setting.

At Aerolite Consulting, we’re here to offer quality, affordable home inspections to clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Orem, St. George and other parts of Utah. A home’s main sewer line is a vital component, one that buyers need to be aware of – in this two-part blog series, we’ll go over why it’s important plus some of the signs that it might be at issue for a home you’re considering, plus what inspectors look for here.

Why the Main Sewer Line is Vital

For those who are just learning about it, the main sewer line is a crucial part of a home’s plumbing system. This is what carries wastewater from the house out to the city’s sewage system or septic tank, diverting it away from living areas and helping keep a house livable.

When this line becomes clogged or otherwise damaged, it can cause problems ranging from unpleasant odors to backups that can flood the house. This is why it’s vital to be aware of potential issues, both before buying a home and also during regular maintenance sessions.

Buyers Need to Know

If you’re considering a home purchase, it’s important to be aware of the condition of its main sewer line. This can be done through a combination of visual inspection and testing, both of which will help tell you if there are any potential problems that need to be addressed.

During a home inspection, our team looks for signs such as poor drainage in sinks or bathtubs, odors in the basement or near outdoor drains, slow-draining sinks or toilets, and similar warning signs.

Our next several sections, and on into part two of our series, will go over some of the possible signs of main sewer line issues in a home you’re looking at.

Poor Odors

In many cases, some of the first warning signs of sewer line problems are odors. These can be unpleasant and difficult to ignore, and they can range from sewage-like smells to more general mustiness.

If you notice any of these in the basement or near outdoor drains, it’s important to take a closer look – this could be an indication that there is a blockage or other damage in the main sewer line.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over some of the other signs indicating an issue with a home’s main sewer line that our inspectors look for. Stay tuned!

At Aerolite Consulting, we strive to provide quality, thorough home inspections around Utah – contact us today to find out more!