7 Signs Your Sewer Line Is Clogged

Main sewer line clogs are hard to miss. They typically cause widespread issues with your plumbing and other telltale signs, such as:

A backup in one drain is annoying. A backup in two could be a coincidence. When every drain in your home starts backing up at the same time, there’s probably a clog lurking in your sewer line.

All drains lead to your sewer line, which takes wastewater to your municipal sewer system or septic tank. When only a single fixture backs up, it’s more likely that the clog is isolated. The only way to confirm a sewer line clog or blockage is to call a professional to inspect it.

Sometimes, a clogged sewer line can be spotted when using one fixture, like a toilet, causes water to rise into another one, like a tub, due to the cross-backflow effect.

This happens because the clog blocks off the flow of wastewater. When the wastewater has nowhere else to go, it rises up the connected plumbing lines. If it backs up enough, you’ll see it filling your tubs and sinks.

Stop all water use to avoid flooding and potential water damage.

Blockages in the main sewer line can create pockets of trapped air. That air has to go somewhere and can lead to gurgling sounds from your fixtures.

Toilets are typically the first affected by this because they directly connect to your sewer line. If you notice that your toilet makes gurgling or bubbling sounds frequently, consider it an urgent warning sign that you need a plumber.

Water isn’t the only thing that can backflow through your drains. Unpleasant smells from sewer gases can also find their way into your home if there’s a clog or venting issue.

Sewer gas can be as dangerous as it is unpleasant. It typically contains hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic and can cause eye and throat irritation. Methane, which is also prevalent in sewer gas, can displace oxygen.

A plumber can isolate the issue and clear the blockage promptly.

A break or leak in your main sewer line is a big hassle for you, but it’s great for the plants in your yard. All that sewage acts as a potent fertilizer, often leading to thick vegetation growth. Unfortunately, under that patch of lush grass is often a soggy, foul-smelling mess where the sewage has escaped.

Widespread slow drainage is the most obvious indicator that your sewer line may be partially blocked. Wastewater can still escape, but not as quickly as it should, resulting in slower drainage.

Act as soon as your drains slow down. Call a licensed plumber who knows how to fix a main sewer line clog. They may perform a cleaning or hydro jetting service to prevent a complete clog from forming. To prevent the issue from arising, schedule regular maintenance.

Buildup and tree root intrusion in the main line can result in stubborn clogs that won’t resolve fully, no matter how many cleanings you do. A plumber can perform a video camera inspection to identify the issue and determine if your sewer line needs hydro jetting, trenchless repair, or other solutions.