7 Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair or Replacement

Your sewer line carries everything from your drains to the city main or septic system. Because it’s buried, problems are easy to miss until they get messy. Here are the signs to watch for.

Warning signs

1. Several drains are slow at the same time, not just one.
2. Toilets or drains gurgle when water runs elsewhere in the house.
3. You smell sewage inside or outside the house.
4. Water backs up into the lowest drains, like a tub or shower.
5. You have soggy spots or unusually green patches in the yard along the line.
6. The ground sinks or dips along the path of the line.
7. Clogs keep coming back even after the drain has been cleared.

What causes sewer line problems

• Tree roots growing into joints and cracks.
• Older pipe that has cracked, sagged or worn out.
• Soil that shifts as it gets wet and dries out.
• Grease and things that shouldn’t be flushed.

What to do

If sewage is backing up, cut back on running water until the line is looked at. A camera inspection is the usual way to see inside a line and find the problem. When a section needs replacing, the work typically means digging a trench along the line and laying new pipe, like the PVC sewer line in our portfolio.

Can you prevent sewer line problems?

• Keep grease, wipes and paper towels out of drains and toilets, even “flushable” wipes.
• Think about where you plant trees, and keep large trees away from the sewer line.
• Pay attention to slow drains early instead of waiting for a backup.
• If your home is older, ask about having the line checked before small problems turn into a big repair.

If you’re seeing these signs, call or text 225-620-7013 to set up a free onsite estimate.