7 Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to be Repaired

If you're noticing strange smells, abnormal toilet noises, irregular water draining, or frequent backups, there's probably an issue occurring with your sewer line.

If your home or building is experiencing any of the 7 items on our list, it’s safest to contact a sewer line professional to properly diagnose and fix the problem before it’s too late. 

 

1. The toilet is backed up or constantly clogged

A toilet clog can be a false alarm for sewer line problems, and this issue can often be fixed with a plunger. 

However, if your toilet starts to back up this is often caused by a clog in the sewer line. If you notice your toilet is starting to back up with clear or sewage water, turn off your toilet’s water supply immediately and call a professional.

 

2. Musty sewage smell

You may be confident the strange smell coming from your basement is not sewage, but this smell is often difficult to recognize. 

The smell of sewage can be easily mistaken for mildew or a musty basement. If you’re noticing a bad smell around your drains, sump pump, or lingering in your home, this is a sign your sewer line needs to be inspected.

 

3. Slow Drains

There may be a bigger cause behind your slow drains other than a build-up of hair. 

If a plunger or simple cleaning for your slow drains doesn’t fix the problem, there may be a larger issue deep in the sewer line. This is a sign that you have a clog in the mainline of your sewer system. This is an issue that should be communicated with a plumber that has the resources to access your mainline. 

 

4. Your lawn is soggy or holding water

It hasn’t rained recently and you’re noticing your grass is wet or there are small pools of water in your lawn. This is a significant sign that you have a sewage leak. 

When you notice wet grass or puddles of water in your yard, take note of where they are located and notify a professional as soon as possible! This will help your plumber identify the source of your leak and fix the problem. 

 

5. Gurgling sound in the bathroom or near pipes

Sewer line clogs often cause a gurgling or bubbling sound. This annoying and concerning noise is a major issue if it’s occurring on a regular basis. 

If you hear this sound only once in a blue moon, it’s probably just a common drain clog. Regardless, it’s always a great idea to get a professional diagnosis before you have to replace your entire sewer line. 

 

6. Green spots or luscious trees and plants

Your plants, grass, and trees are growing larger and greener than ever. It turns out you’re not a lawn care expert, but a tree root has ruptured your sewer line. Trees and plants thrive off sewer water because it acts as a natural fertilizer. 

If you’re noticing green patches of grass or fast growth of your plants and trees, a busted sewer line caused by tree roots may be the cause.

 

7. Mold or leaks

If you’re seeing mold or small traces of leaking water in your home or basement, this could be a sign that you have a damaged sewer line. 

Mold or leaking water can be extremely damaging to your home and is often caused by leaking sewer lines in your basement or in the walls. If you notice leaks or mold anywhere in your home, you need to contact a plumber immediately. Sewer blockages or leaks are major issues that need to be attended to as soon as possible.