Your sewer line carries waste and dirty water from your home to the main sewer. When it fails, the result isn’t just unpleasant, it’s expensive.
Early signs of sewer line problems are easy to miss. But they matter. Catching them early can protect your home and save you money.
Here’s a full guide to help you spot trouble before things get messy.
1. Multiple Slow Drains or Clogs
If one sink clogs, it’s a simple fix. But if your tub, toilet, and sink all slow down at once? That’s not a coincidence. It’s a sign of a sewer line issue.
You might notice water bubbling, pooling, or gurgling. That means the line can’t keep up.
2. Water Backing Up Into Other Drains
Flush the toilet and see water in the shower? That’s a clear sign of blockage. The waste has nowhere to go, so it comes back up. It’s more than a mess, it’s a health risk.
3. Persistent Foul Odors (Sewage Smell)
Sewer gas smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you notice it in your yard, bathroom, or basement, don’t ignore it. That smell means gas is leaking—likely through a cracked or broken sewer line.
4. Gurgling or Bubbling Noises
After flushing or running water, listen for a gurgling sound. That means air is trapped. It happens when a clog is forming. It’s one of the first things people notice before a backup.
5. Sewage Backups (Especially in Lower Drains)
Basements and first-floor drains get hit first. If waste starts coming back up, stop everything. That’s not just a plumbing issue—it’s an emergency. Raw sewage carries bacteria and can ruin floors, walls, and furniture.
6. Patches of Extra Green or Soggy Grass
Sewer waste is rich in nutrients. If part of your lawn looks greener than the rest, or feels soggy, that’s not good luck.
It could mean your sewer pipes are leaking. Smell the area. If it stinks, call a plumber.
7. Mold or Mildew Around Baseboards and Walls
Wet spots that grow mold often trace back to hidden leaks. In finished basements, that could be your sewer system. Mold and mildew love dark, damp places. They’re also bad for your lungs.
8. Foundation Cracks, Sinkholes, or Settlement
Water from a broken line can wash away soil. That weakens your foundation. You might see cracks in the slab or notice parts of the home shifting.
This is serious. It needs attention right away.
9. Increase in Pest or Rodent Activity
Rats and roaches live in sewer systems. If your line has a breach, you just gave them a path into your home. More pests than usual? It might not be random.
10. Higher-Than-Normal Water Bills
Unless you’ve added a pool or sprinkler system, your water use should be steady. A sudden spike means a hidden leak. That leak could be in your sewer line.
11. Water Pooling Near Cleanouts or Floor Drains
If you see water sitting around cleanouts or floor drains, your sewer can’t handle the load. Water should flow away, not linger. It’s another clear red flag.
12. Age of Sewer Line or Home
Older homes have older lines. Clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipes all wear down. If your home is 40+ years old and hasn’t had a camera inspection, get one. Prevention is cheaper than repair.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
- Stop using water in the home.
- Don’t pour chemicals down the drain.
- Call a licensed plumber. Ask for a sewer camera inspection.
- From there, they may suggest hydro jetting, pipe bursting, or trenchless repair.
- Let them explain your options. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse.
Got Sewer Line Problems in Everett, WA? Call on Apollo Plumbing.
Apollo Plumbing handles sewer line repair and replacement in Everett and nearby areas, including trenchless sewer line repair. They’re the “Ready right now plumbers.” That means fast response, clear pricing, and real help. Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in waste water.
Final Thoughts
Sewer line problems don’t fix themselves. They start small—slow drains, weird smells, higher bills. Then they hit fast.
If you notice the signs above, take them seriously. Call a professional. Save your home before it’s too late.
