Common Signs of Sewer Line Damage

Jul 21

Your home’s sewer line is one of the most critical components of your plumbing system. It quietly carries wastewater from your home to the city sewer system—but when something goes wrong, it can turn into a serious (and messy) issue fast.

At Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical, we’ve helped countless Colorado Springs homeowners identify and resolve sewer line problems before they turn into disasters. Here are the most common signs that your sewer line may be damaged—and when it’s time to take action.

1. Frequent Drain Clogs or Slow Drains

It’s normal for a single sink or shower drain to clog occasionally. But if you’re noticing multiple slow drains—or clogs that return even after snaking or plunging—it may be a sign of a deeper issue in your main sewer line.

2. Gurgling Sounds from Your Drains

When your sewer line is damaged or obstructed, it can cause unusual air pressure in your plumbing. You might hear bubbling or gurgling noises when you flush the toilet, run a sink, or use the shower. This is often an early warning sign of trouble.

3. Sewage Odors Indoors or Outside

You should never smell sewage inside your home or in your yard. If you do, it likely means there’s a crack, leak, or blockage in your sewer line that’s allowing gases to escape. This isn’t just unpleasant—it can be dangerous.

4. Soggy or Sunken Patches in Your Yard

If a section of your yard is unusually green, soggy, or sunken, it could be due to a leaking sewer line below the surface. These spots may smell bad and often attract insects or rodents looking for moisture.

5. Toilet or Drain Backups

One of the most obvious—and serious—signs of sewer line damage is sewage backing up into your toilets, tubs, or floor drains. This is a health hazard and a plumbing emergency. Turn off your water and call a professional right away.

6. Increased Pest Activity

Rodents and insects are drawn to the moisture and waste in broken sewer lines. If you’ve noticed a spike in pest activity around your home, especially in your basement or near floor drains, it could be connected to a sewer issue.

7. Foundation Cracks or Shifting Soil

In extreme cases, leaking wastewater can erode the soil beneath your foundation, leading to cracking or settling. If you notice structural changes or unexplained foundation damage, have your sewer line inspected immediately.

What Causes Sewer Line Damage?

Sewer lines can be damaged by a variety of factors, including:

Tree root intrusion
Aging or corroded pipes
Ground shifting or soil erosion
Heavy clogs from grease, paper, or foreign objects
Poor installation or pipe materials

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Sewer line issues never get better on their own—and delaying repairs can lead to costly damage to your home and property. If you're seeing any of these warning signs, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.

At Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical, we offer advanced sewer line diagnostics, including camera inspections, to quickly identify the problem and recommend the most effective solution.

Contact us today to schedule your sewer line inspection and keep your home protected.

Adam O'Brien

Adam O'Brien is a seasoned Marketing Strategist with nearly 20 years of experience helping brands grow through data-driven strategy, creative storytelling, and customer-centric campaigns. He specializes in digital marketing, brand positioning, and integrated marketing planning across a wide range of industries. Adam writes about actionable marketing insights, emerging trends, and practical strategies for businesses looking to scale. When he's not consulting or writing, he enjoys mentoring young marketers and exploring the intersection of technology and human behavior.

https://www.spartanmarketinginc.com