How do you tell if a drain pipe is broken underground?

Author: Ms. Samanta Jacobi  |  Last update: Monday, May 26, 2025

The Top Signs You Have a Broken Underground Drain Pipe
  1. Sewage Backup. A broken sewer drain pipe will lead to dirt and debris getting into the line and stopping waste from exiting your home. ...
  2. Foul Odors. ...
  3. Foundation Cracks. ...
  4. Lush Patches of Grass or Sudden Weed Growth. ...
  5. Sagging Pavement. ...
  6. Rodent Infestation.

How do you tell if you have a broken drain pipe underground?

How to Tell if You Have an Underground Drainage Leak
  • Here's what to look out for...
  • Excessive amounts of water in your soil
  • A suddenly-damp basement
  • Your water bills suddenly rocket
  • A sudden drop in water pressure
  • Movement in the soil around the house
  • You can hear the leak

How do you know if a pipe bursts underground?

Weak Showers and Slow Faucets

A sudden drop in water pressure is another sign of an underground pipe burst.

How do I know if my drain line is collapsed?

How do you know if you have a collapsed drain?
  • A strong smell of sewage. If there's damage to a pipe or a collapsed drain, then you'll regularly notice the smell of sewage in or around the home. ...
  • The presence of rodents or other unwanted visitors. ...
  • New damp patches and mould appearing. ...
  • Slow drainage.

How much does it cost to replace an underground drain pipe?

Average Cost:

Repairing or replacing a small section of drain pipe can typically run between $250 and $1,250. Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair.

How to Determine if you Have a Broken Sewer Pipe

How do you fix a broken underground sewer pipe?

One method of trenchless sewer line repairs is a process called epoxy pipe lining. Epoxy pipe lining allows for fixing damaged pipes without removing the existing pipe. Instead, it creates a new, durable pipe within the old pipe by coating the inside with an epoxy resin that sets and seals any holes or leaks.

How long do underground drain pipes last?

This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.

Does homeowners insurance cover collapsed sewer lines?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

Can you fix a collapsed drain without digging?

How does no-dig drain repair work? The “no dig” method involves inserting a liner impregnated with resin into the damaged pipeline. Once in position, the liner is inflated to create a strong layer inside the pipe. This gives a water tight repair, sealing and protecting the pipe from further deterioration.

What does a collapsed drain look like?

In addition to a distinct sewer smell, subsidence or sunken ground around a drain is a visual indication of a drains collapse, as water leaking from the pipe into the surrounding soil can cause a slump if the damage is left awaiting repair for a prolonged period of time.

How do I find a broken underground pipe?

Here are some of the signs you should look out for:
  1. Sudden increase in water usage and costs. ...
  2. Cracked areas or bulges of pavement. ...
  3. Unpleasant smells. ...
  4. Low pressure in the water supply. ...
  5. Dirty water. ...
  6. Sounds from pipes. ...
  7. Thermal imaging. ...
  8. Acoustic leak detection.

How do you check underground pipes?

The easiest way to find underground pipes is by using RTK-enabled devices. These devices can pinpoint the location of several types of pipes, from water to oil pipes, with centimeter-level precision.

What causes a pipe to break underground?

Over time, as the soil around a water main settles it can stress the pipes running beneath the ground. If the ground settles enough, the stress can break the pipe. Ground settling over time can cause water mains to break.

How do I find a broken drain pipe?

Some of the most common signs of a broken water or sewer pipe include:
  1. Water pooling in your yard or near your building.
  2. Unpleasant odors coming from your drains or yard.
  3. Low water pressure or slow drains.
  4. Gurgling sounds coming from your drains.
  5. Wet spots or discoloration on your walls or floors.

Is leaking drain pipe an emergency?

One of the most common plumbing emergencies is a leaking or burst pipe. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as freezing temperatures, old and corroded pipes, high water pressure, and more. If you notice any leaking water coming from a pipe, it is essential to act quickly to prevent any further damage.

How do you diagnose a collapsed drain?

Signs of a Collapsed Sewer Line
  1. Slow drains and standing water after using a faucet or shower.
  2. Sewer odors throughout the home.
  3. Gurgling sounds coming from your pipes.
  4. Pipe backupsSinkholes in your yard.
  5. Cracks in your home's foundation.
  6. Increased presence of pests like rodents and bugs near your home.

How much does it cost to repair underground pipes?

Patching up a small leak could cost as little as $150, and replacing sections of underground pipe will generally range from $100 to 200 per linear foot.

Who is responsible for collapsed drains?

Homeowner's responsibility

You're responsible for all waste drainage pipes (such as gullies, gutters and drains) within your property boundary, so long as they serve just your property.

How do I know if my sewer line is broken?

7 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced
  • There's a Spike in Your Water Bill. ...
  • You Hear Gurgling Coming from the Pipes. ...
  • The Water Is Slowly Draining. ...
  • Your Yard is Soggy. ...
  • The Smell of Sewage Lingers. ...
  • Pests Are Attracted to Your Yard. ...
  • The Toilet Bowl Water Level Is Up and Down.

How much does it cost to insure a sewer line?

Sewer line coverage varies in cost but can generally be obtained for $5 to $15 per month, depending on your property size and the area in which you live. Because sewer line incidents often cost upwards of $10,000 to repair, many homeowners consider sewer line coverage a good investment.

Are local governments responsible for paying for sewer line repairs?

Sewer laterals are the underground pipes that connect your home wastewater to the main sewer line in the street. Homeowners are responsible for their sewer laterals, while problems with the public sewer main line are managed by the city or municipality.

How do I know if my underground drain pipe is burst?

How to Tell if a Pipe Burst Underground
  1. Potholes or Sinkholes Around Your Lawn. These holes indicate a faulty pipe. ...
  2. High Water Bills. ...
  3. Fluctuating Water Pressure. ...
  4. Puddles or Pooling Water. ...
  5. Discolored Water and Odors. ...
  6. Overly Green Grass.

How deep is a drain pipe underground?

For instance, residential sewer line depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. However, city sewer line depths are different. Your city's sewer lines must always be deeper than the deepest residential pipe to allow waste to flow downhill. As such, these lines can go as deep as needed.

How long does it take to repair a drain pipe?

Sewer repair times vary, but patching a minor crack or clearing a clog may only take a few hours. Trenchless sewer line replacement can take around two business days, while traditional replacement can take three or more.

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