5 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair

Your home’s sewer line works quietly beneath the surface, carrying waste away from your property day in and day out. When it’s working, you don’t give it a second thought—but when it fails, the damage can be messy, expensive, and incredibly disruptive.

At Prime Plumbing & Drains, we help Salisbury homeowners recognize the early signs of sewer line trouble before things spiral out of control. Spotting these issues early puts you in control—so you can take action before facing costly repairs or major disruptions to your home.

Frequent Drain Clogs Throughout the House

A single clogged drain usually means a localized issue—like hair in the bathroom sink or grease in the kitchen drain—that basic drain clearing can fix.

But if multiple drains start backing up regularly, it’s a sign of a bigger problem, such as:

• Toilet gurgling when the washing machine runs
• Shower water backing up when you flush

These symptoms often point to a blockage or break in your main sewer line. Because all drains connect to this main line, a problem there can cause wastewater to back up through multiple fixtures. Don’t ignore this pattern—multiple drain issues mean your sewer line needs a professional inspection and likely repair.

Gurgling Sounds from Toilets or Drains

Strange noises like gurgling or bubbling coming from your toilets, sinks, or floor drains are never normal. These sounds usually mean there’s air trapped in your plumbing system caused by a sewer line issue.

When your sewer line is obstructed or damaged, water flow is disrupted, creating air pockets that cause those distinctive gurgling noises. You might notice the sounds most when:

• Flushing the toilet
• Running the dishwasher
• Doing laundry

Tracking when these noises occur can help pinpoint the problem’s location and severity. Catching this early often means you can fix the issue before it turns into a major repair.

Unpleasant Sewer Odors Indoors or Outdoors

Your sewer system is designed to keep odors and gases contained safely, so when you smell sewage inside your home or around your property, it’s a sign something is wrong.

Indoor sewer odors often point to:

• Cracked pipes
• Failed seals
• Broken connections

These issues allow gases to escape into your living spaces, with smells strongest near floor drains, basements, toilets, or sinks.

Outdoor sewage odors are equally alarming. If you notice strong smells in your yard—especially near sewer line routes—it likely means wastewater is leaking into the soil, creating both health and environmental hazards. 

Don’t ignore these odors or try to mask them with air fresheners. They’re warning signs that demand immediate attention.

Soggy or Sunken Spots in the Yard

Your lawn can often reveal hidden sewer line issues through unusual ground conditions. Look for:

• Patches of grass that are greener and lusher than surrounding areas
• Soft, soggy spots that don’t dry out
• Areas where the ground appears to be sinking or settling

These symptoms happen because leaking wastewater acts as fertilizer, encouraging excess grass growth, while the moisture softens the soil causing it to settle or sink. You might notice these areas after walking across your yard—soft spots that feel different underfoot or areas where water pools even when it hasn’t rained recently. Sometimes the smell of sewage accompanies these visual signs.

Don’t dismiss wet spots as simple drainage issues. When combined with other warning signs, they strongly indicate sewer line leaks that need professional repair.

Unexplained Increase in Water or Sewer Bills

Your utility bills can reveal hidden plumbing issues before they become major problems. A sudden rise in water or sewer charges—without any change in your household’s usage—often indicates a leak somewhere in your system.

Sewer line leaks may cause your water meter to run continuously, recording water usage even when no one is home. Since many municipalities base sewer fees on water consumption, this can lead to higher bills on both fronts.

To spot a potential problem:

• Compare your recent bills with the same period last year, adjusting for seasonal changes
• Watch for unexplained increases of 20% or more
• Rule out other causes like extra guests, new appliances, or lifestyle changes

Even small leaks that add just a few dollars to your monthly bill shouldn’t be ignored—they can worsen over time. Larger leaks can significantly raise costs and lead to costly property damage.

Don’t Wait for a Plumbing Emergency, Get Expert Sewer Line Services Today!

Don’t let sewer line problems catch you off guard. These issues can quickly escalate, leading to costly damage and major disruptions in your home or business. Our experienced team is equipped with advanced tools and proven techniques to identify and resolve sewer line problems efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with recurring clogs, foul odors, or signs of a serious blockage, we deliver reliable solutions that restore your system’s function.

We prioritize long-term results, not just temporary fixes, so you can have peace of mind knowing your plumbing is in good hands. Protect your property today by addressing sewer concerns before they become emergencies. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, contact Prime Plumbing & Drains today at (980) 305-3848 for a professional sewer line inspection and peace of mind.