The Most Common Sewer Issues Homeowners Face

Sewer issues might not be the most glamorous part of homeownership, but they can quickly become some of the most expensive and disruptive. When sewer problems go unnoticed, they can cause serious damage to your property and plumbing system.

Most homeowners' insurance plans often don’t cover sewer line replacement unless you’ve added an endorsement or rider. You’d have to pay entirely out of pocket if your system fails. Understanding the signs of sewer line problems can uncover sewer issues before they become major expenses, giving you time to call a professional for help. 

How to Tell If You Have a Sewer Line Problem

Noticing strange smells or slow-draining sinks? These could be early warning signs of a serious sewer problem. Here are more clues your plumbing might give you if you have sewer problems:

• Frequent backups in your tubs, toilets, or floor drains
• Gurgling sounds coming from your drains
• Sewage odors around drains or in your yard
• Pools of water or unusually green patches in the lawn
• Multiple slow drains in the home at once

Experiencing more than one of these signs could mean you’re dealing with a completely blocked main sewer line. 

The Most Common Sewer Line Issues

The most common problem with house sewer drains is a clogged sewer line, but other causes can also be at play. Here's a look at what might be going wrong underground.

Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots always look for water, and your sewer line is an ideal target. Over time, they can grow through tiny cracks or joints in the pipe. Once inside, they continue expanding, causing major blockages and damage. Learn more about how roots affect sewer lines.

Pipe Corrosion or Deterioration

Older piping materials, like older metals or clay, are more prone to breaking down. Once your pipes start cracking or rusting, it’s easier for them to become clogged, broken, or collapsed. If that happens, one of the signs you might notice is a wet spot in your yard.

Sewer Line Bellies or Sags

When part of your sewer pipe dips or “bellies,” waste and water can collect in the low spot. Over time, this creates frequent clogs and makes the system less efficient.

Clogged Sewer Lines

Everyday items like grease, paper towels, and hygiene products can create a clogged sewer line. Debris like this is a leading cause of home sewage plumbing blockages. Make sure you’re cleaning your system regularly to maintain a healthy flow.

Sewer Line Misalignment or Collapse

Shifting soil, settling foundations, and poor installation can cause sewer lines to become misaligned or even collapse. These are serious problems that require excavation or trenchless repair.

How to Diagnose Sewer Line Problems

If you're unsure what's happening underground, professionals have the tools to pinpoint the problem. Once you explain the signs of sewer line problems that you’ve noticed, they’ll know how to move forward with diagnosing the issue.

Sewer Camera Inspection

One of the most effective ways to identify signs of sewer line problems is with a video camera inspection. This involves feeding a waterproof camera into the line to spot cracks, clogs, or intrusions without digging up your yard.

The plumber can see weaknesses in the line on a monitor and identify exactly what repairs you’ll need. Camera inspections are a non-invasive, accurate first step in diagnosing sewer problems.

Smoke Testing

In some cases, smoke testing can be an option for detecting leaks. A plumber will force non-toxic smoke into the sewer line. If you have holes or cracks in your line, the smoke will be able to escape, and you’ll see it coming out of the ground, siding, or other unexpected places.

When to Call the Experts

Sewer line issues are not your average DIY project. Digging up and diagnosing underground plumbing is best left to professionals who have the right tools and experience.

If you're dealing with recurring clogs, multiple slow drains, or signs of sewage in the yard, it's time to call Roto-Rooter. Our technicians can quickly identify the cause and recommend solutions like snaking, hydro-jetting, or even full line replacement. Contact your local Roto-Rooter experts today and get your system flowing again.