How Can I Tell if My Sewer Line is Broken?

Is a Broken Sewer Line Disrupting Your Home?

Plumbing problems can throw a homeowner’s daily routine into chaos, and when widespread issues arise, a damaged sewer line could be to blame. The signs aren’t always obvious—some manifest above ground, while others lurk within walls or drains. From unexpected lawn changes to unpleasant odors and persistent backups, recognizing these red flags early can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs.

Ignoring sewer line issues can lead to severe structural damage, including foundation problems. That’s why staying vigilant and seeking professional help at the first sign of trouble is crucial.


Unusual Lawn Indicators: What Your Yard Might Be Telling You

Your lawn can reveal hidden plumbing issues before they become disasters. Here are some key warning signs:

  • Lush, Overgrown Patches: If certain areas of your lawn seem unusually green or grow faster than the rest, it could be due to sewage leaks fertilizing the grass.
  • Soggy or Sunken Spots: Standing water or sinking areas in the yard may indicate a sewer line leak saturating the soil below.
  • Foul Smells Outdoors: A persistent sewage odor in your yard suggests waste isn’t draining properly underground.

If you notice these signs, a sewer line inspection is essential. Underground plumbing is complex, and DIY solutions often fail to address the root cause. Consulting a professional ensures an accurate diagnosis and effective repairs.


Indoor Plumbing Red Flags: When to Take Action

Inside your home, plumbing issues that persist across multiple fixtures could indicate a deeper problem with the sewer line. Common warning signs include:

  • Frequent Drain Clogs: If multiple sinks, showers, or toilets clog simultaneously, the issue likely extends beyond a single pipe.
  • Slow Draining Water: Drains that take longer than usual to empty can signal a sewer line obstruction.
  • Gurgling Noises: Strange bubbling or gurgling sounds from drains or toilets suggest trapped air due to a sewer line break.
  • Sewage Backups: Wastewater returning to sinks, tubs, or toilets is a major red flag that your sewer line needs immediate attention.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to worsening plumbing failures, unsanitary conditions, and expensive home repairs. At this stage, calling a professional plumber is the best course of action.


Professional Inspection and Repair: Why Expertise Matters

When sewer line problems arise, specialized tools and expertise are required to diagnose and fix them properly. Advanced camera inspections allow professionals to locate blockages, cracks, or root intrusions without invasive digging.

Plumbers equipped with hydro jetting and trenchless repair techniques can resolve sewer issues efficiently, minimizing disruption to your property. Whether it’s tree root infiltration, corrosion, or a full sewer line collapse, professionals have the experience and technology to restore your plumbing system effectively.

For homeowners experiencing persistent plumbing issues, seeking expert help is essential. Trained specialists provide precise solutions, protecting both your home’s infrastructure and your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

A damaged sewer line won’t fix itself, and the longer issues persist, the greater the risk of extensive property damage. If you’re noticing foul odors, slow drains, recurring clogs, or unusual lawn changes, don’t wait—schedule a professional inspection to prevent costly repairs down the line.

Trust the expertise of seasoned professionals to diagnose and repair your sewer line with minimal disruption, ensuring a safe and functional plumbing system for years to come.

Client Testimonials

What our customers are saying

  • Friendly on time service. Great company!

    Nick Reid Avatar Nick Reid
    November 26, 2025

    Great work! fast and professional. Would highly recommend!

    Daniel Gray Avatar Daniel Gray
    November 25, 2025

    On time great service and priced fairly

    Justin Medina Avatar Justin Medina
    November 20, 2025
  • Great company will definitely recommend. Reasonable pricing both techs were very respectful of my home and got the job done! They offered to check any other problems we may have... read more...

    media thumbnail 0
    Paola Delarosa Avatar Paola Delarosa
    November 19, 2025

    Joe and Jacob are hard working professional plumbers! The replacement of the main water pipe going into our home was no easy task. They did a outstanding job! I will... read more...

    Ray Mastroleo Avatar Ray Mastroleo
    November 17, 2025

    Honest company will use again

    Alely Medrano Avatar Alely Medrano
    November 17, 2025
  • Excellent customer service and affordable rates!

    Britton Waterworks Avatar Britton Waterworks
    November 13, 2025

    These guys are the best in the business! Very fair, timely, and have been reliable for years. Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a plumber.

    Jordan Elliott Avatar Jordan Elliott
    November 11, 2025

    These guys were amazing. So friendly and helpful. And most importantly, honest. I would recommend them to anyone.

    Kimberly Zapata Avatar Kimberly Zapata
    November 11, 2025

The Trade Society:

Your Satisfaction is Our Top-Most Priority!

As a full service, locally-owned plumbing company, we still believe in putting the customer first. Our technicians bring decades of field experience, fully stocked vans and all the necessary tools to get the job done right the first time. We always work diligently to go above and beyond your expectations and are proud to say that we’ve turned one-time clients into life-long customers. Our commitment to our customers is something we demonstrate repeatedly through continuous training, same-day appointments, numerous specials and so much more. We know the importance of a properly functioning plumbing system and a local plumber you can rely on. After all, this is one of your home’s essential systems. We provide a level of detail-oriented services that offer our customers peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.
(713) 885 5860