The sewer line carries waste away from your entire home, so when it starts to fail the signs show up all over the house at once. Catching them early can be the difference between a simple clearing and a major cleanup.
The warning signs
Any of these point toward a sewer line problem rather than a single clogged drain:
- Several drains backing up at the same time
- Sewage odor indoors or in the yard
- Toilets that gurgle when you run a sink or the washing machine
- Soggy or unusually green patches over the sewer line in the yard
- Slow drainage throughout the whole house
- Backups that start in the lowest drains, tubs, or floor drains
- Clogs that keep coming back after clearing
What causes sewer lines to fail
The most common causes are tree roots growing into the line through small cracks, aging or collapsed pipe, shifting soil, and years of buildup. A camera inspection shows exactly which one applies to your line.
What to do next
If several drains back up at once, stop using water to avoid a backup inside the home, and call a licensed plumber. A pro can camera the line to find the cause and recommend clearing, a spot repair, or replacement.
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