Signs of Sewer Line Problems and What You Can Do About Them

Despite being one of the most critical parts of your plumbing system, most of us rarely think about our sewer lines—until they start acting up, that is. The good news is you can avoid major sewer line problems if you know how to spot common signals telling you something's amiss.

From foul odors and slow drains to unexplained wet patches in your yard, here are common warning signs to watch out for.

Why Early Detection Is Critical

Sewer line problems rarely develop overnight. Most often, they start with small issues that worsen over time. A minor pipe crack might begin as a slow leak before developing into a complete line rupture. The same goes for toilets: what started as a stubborn clog may eventually lead to sewage backing up into your basement.

Immediately addressing sewer line problems:

• Saves money: It’s cheaper to schedule service during regular operating hours than it is to have emergency service.
• Minimizes damage: Early intervention prevents water incidents that could damage your home’s foundation, floors, walls, and ceiling.
• Protects your family: Sewage backups aren’t just inconvenient; they’re a health and safety hazard that puts your family at risk.
• Gives you more options: Addressing sewer line problems early often means less invasive options like spot repairs instead of complete pipe replacement.
• Reduces stress: Planned maintenance will always be less disruptive and stressful than a plumbing emergency.

Common Sewer Line Problem Warning Signs

You can generally see signs of sewer line problems both inside and outside the home. Here’s what to look for and how to address the issue:

Frequent Toilet Backups

While occasional clogs may indicate that you’re using too much toilet paper, repeated backups often suggest buildup has accumulated in the pipes.

What to do: Do not flush feminine hygiene products or bathroom wipes—even if the manufacturer claims they are flushable. If this does not address the issue, you may have a deeper sewer line problem that requires a professional. Often we can clear deep clogs with a snake or hydrojet.

Slow Drains

All used water exits the home through the same sewer pipe. And when the main line is partially blocked, water will drain more slowly throughout the home. If multiple drains are affected, you likely have a sewer line problem.

What to do: It's tempting to reach for drain cleaning products. Unfortunately, they can do more harm than good by damaging your pipes. If you experience a backup from a single drain, try snaking it. However, if multiple drains in your home are slow, contact a drain specialist at Bluestone.

Foul Odors

Catching a whiff of something unpleasant whenever you use a drain? There are a few explanations: You may need to clean your P-trap or snake your drain. Or, you could have a leak or break in the sewer line that’s allowing gas to escape.

What to do: For infrequently used drains, run water through them regularly to maintain the water seal in the P-trap. If that doesn't work, remove the P-trap and soak it in hot water and vinegar. If odors persist, try snaking your drain or calling a plumber to inspect for sewer line problems.

Lush Grass

Green grass looks great, but sometimes unusually lush patches in the yard are signs of sewer line problems. Sewage is a fantastic fertilizer, and if there is a crack in your sewer line, it could cause grass and plants to grow faster.

What to do: If you notice an oddly green section of grass, a mushy lawn, or foul odors in the yard, have the issue inspected by a plumbing professional.

The cause of these sewer line problems varies. In many cases, they stem from improper use—flushing items that shouldn't go down drains or pouring grease and other substances that build up over time.

However, sewer line issues can also be caused by tree roots, aging pipes, ground shifting, and accumulated wear and tear. If simple DIY fixes do not resolve the issue, reach out to a licensed plumbing professional who can properly diagnose the problem.

Flush Your Plumbing Worries Down the Drain

Do any of these common signs of sewer line problems sound familiar? Bluestone Plumbing can help. With over 50 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to quickly get you back to normal. From minor fixes to major plumbing overhauls, we deliver affordable services with exceptional results. Contact us today!