5 Signs Your Sewer Line Is Failing

Sewer line problems do not fix themselves. Ignoring early warning signs leads to sewage backups, property damage, and expensive repairs. Here are the signs to watch for.

1. Multiple Slow Drains

When more than one drain is slow at the same time, the problem is likely in your main sewer line rather than individual drains.

What it means: A partial blockage in the main line is restricting flow from your entire house.

2. Gurgling Sounds from Drains or Toilets

That gurgling noise is air escaping through water in your drain traps. It happens when the sewer line cannot vent properly.

What it means: There is likely a blockage or damage in the sewer line preventing normal air flow.

3. Sewage Smell in Your Yard or Basement

You should never smell sewage inside or outside your home. That smell means sewage is escaping somewhere it should not be.

What it means: A crack, break, or separation in the sewer line is allowing sewage to leak out.

4. Soggy Patches in Your Yard

Unexplained wet areas in your yard, especially along the path to the street, often indicate a broken sewer line.

What it means: Sewage is leaking underground and saturating the soil above it.

5. Sewage Backing Up Into Your Home

This is the clearest sign of a serious problem. If sewage is coming up through your drains, you need immediate help.

What it means: The sewer line is severely blocked or collapsed and cannot handle any flow.

What Causes Sewer Line Problems?

• **Tree roots:** Roots seek water and can infiltrate small cracks, then grow and cause major damage
• **Age:** Clay and cast iron pipes deteriorate over time
• **Ground shifting:** Soil movement can crack or separate pipe joints
• **Grease and debris:** Buildup over years eventually restricts flow

What to Do

If you notice any of these signs, do not wait. Call a plumber for a camera inspection. This lets us see exactly what is happening inside your sewer line without digging.

Early detection often means simpler, cheaper repairs. A full sewer line replacement costs significantly more than clearing a partial blockage or repairing a small section.