6 SIGNS YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED

May 17, 2023

Your home’s sewer line might not be the most obvious part of your plumbing system, but it’s one of the most important. Just a few inches in diameter, this pipe carries all the wastewater from your sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances safely away from your home. When it clogs, cracks, or leaks, the impact can be felt throughout your entire plumbing system—and the damage can be costly.

So, does your sewer line need a repair? It’s not something you want to guess at. In most cases, the property owner—not the city—is responsible for repairs. The safest, smartest step is to call YES! Air Conditioning and Plumbing for expert sewer line service in the Las Vegas and Salt Lake City areas. 

Call 844-216-9300 today to get a professional diagnosis and peace of mind.

6 COMMON SIGNS OF SEWER LINE PROBLEMS TO LOOK FOR

Sewer line trouble isn’t always obvious at first, but small issues lead to major disruptions in your home over time. Whether you’re dealing with strange plumbing behavior indoors or unexplained changes in your yard, diagnosing if your sewer line is in need of repair starts with recognizing the warning signs. 

1. Slow Drainage

If water drains slowly from multiple fixtures in your home, it could point to a blockage or damage deep within your sewer line. Unlike isolated clogs, widespread slow drainage often signals a bigger problem below the surface.

2. Sewage Backups

If wastewater backs up into your tubs, toilets, or floor drains, especially after using other fixtures, it’s a strong sign of a sewer line issue. Backups indicate that wastewater has nowhere to go, often due to a severe clog or pipe damage.

3. Unusual Odors

A strong, persistent smell of sewage in or around your home is more than unpleasant—it’s a red flag. Sewer gas escaping from a cracked or leaking pipe can create noticeable odors and may even pose a health risk if left unaddressed.

4. Mold Growth

If you notice mold or mildew forming on walls, ceilings, or floors—especially in areas that shouldn’t have moisture—it could be caused by a leaking sewer line. The extra humidity from escaping wastewater creates the perfect conditions for mold to thrive.

5. Lush Patches in the Yard

Sewer line leaks underground can act like fertilizer, causing certain spots in your yard to look greener or more overgrown than others. If you’re seeing unusually lush patches, especially when it hasn’t rained, a sewer leak might be the reason.

6. Gurgling Sounds

Hearing gurgling noises from your drains or toilet? That bubbling sound is often caused by air trapped in your plumbing, usually due to a blockage or backup in the sewer line. It’s a subtle but telling warning sign of a problem below.

6 REASONS YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS REPAIRS 

It’s not always easy to pinpoint why something goes wrong underground. That’s why diagnosing if your sewer line is in need of repair is the first step toward getting things flowing again. From stubborn clogs to cracked pipes, here are some of the most common reasons your sewer line may be experiencing issues.

1. Clogs

Sewer line clogs often form when grease, hair, soap scum, paper products, or other debris build up inside the pipe. Over time, these materials can restrict or block flow, leading to slow drains, backups, and foul odors inside your home.

2. Leaks

Leaks can happen when a sewer line deteriorates or tree roots break through weakened pipe walls in search of water. These cracks allow wastewater to seep into the surrounding soil, potentially causing foundation issues, unpleasant smells, or soggy spots in your yard.

3. Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and your sewer line can be an easy target, especially if small cracks or loose joints exist. Once roots invade the pipe, they can grow quickly, blocking flow and causing significant damage that often requires professional repair.

4. Pipe Corrosion

Over time, older metal pipes—especially cast iron or galvanized steel—can corrode from the inside out. Corrosion weakens the pipe walls, increasing the risk of leaks, cracks, or complete collapse. If your home has older plumbing, corrosion could be a hidden cause of sewer line trouble.

5. Ground Shifting

Soil movement from erosion, heavy rains, nearby construction, or even minor earthquakes can cause your sewer line to shift, crack, or disconnect. This misalignment can lead to leaks, blockages, or a complete break in the line, often requiring professional realignment or replacement.

6. Aging Sewer Line

Depending on the material, most sewer lines last between 50 and 100 years. As pipes age, they can corrode, crack, or collapse, making them more vulnerable to leaks and blockages. If your sewer line is old or you are unsure how old it is, it may be time for an inspection or replacement.

SEWER LINE REPAIR ISSUES YOU CAN DIY

Homeowners are responsible for the section of the line on their property. While some homeowners' insurance policies may help with sewer line replacement, others may not, especially if the issue is due to aging pipes or tree root intrusion.

If insurance doesn’t cover repairs, you may be tempted to try to fix your sewer line problems yourself. Some minor sewer line issues can be handled at home—but only if you know what to look for and when to stop. 

Here are a few basic tasks homeowners can often handle:

• Clearing a small clog: A plunger or hand-crank drain snake can be effective for soft, shallow blockages—just avoid chemical cleaners.

• Flushing the line: If you have access to an outdoor sewer cleanout, you can use a drain cleaning bladder—a special hose attachment—to safely flush out minor buildup inside the pipe.

• Finding your sewer line: Most homes have a sewer cleanout—a capped pipe that provides access to the main sewer line. It’s usually located outside near the foundation, in the yard, or sometimes in a basement or utility area.

But if your sewer line needs a repair that’s more than just a quick fix, it’s time to get professional help.

Not sure what you’re dealing with? Contact us today and we’ll help you get to the bottom of it.

WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER

If you need a larger repair, you might ask, “Do I need a permit to repair a sewer line?” In many cities, yes, you need one—and a professional plumber will know exactly what’s required and how to get it done legally and safely.

If your sewer line needs a repair that’s more than just a quick fix, it’s time to get professional help. Hiring an expert ensures:

• Proper permits and code compliance: Your plumber can pull any required permits and follow local regulations.

• Accurate diagnosis: They have the tools and training to pinpoint the exact problem, not just the symptoms.

• Safe, long-term repairs: From pipe replacement to trenchless solutions, pros know how to repair without causing more damage.

• Emergency response: For severe backups or leaks, immediate professional help can prevent costly water damage.

Don’t take chances with your plumbing. Call YES! today at 844-216-9300 to schedule sewer line service with a licensed pro you can trust.

SCHEDULE A SEWER LINE REPAIR IN LAS VEGAS, NV OR SALT LAKE CITY, UT

When you call YES! for sewer line repair, our licensed plumbers will quickly identify the issue and its exact location. We can view the inside of your sewer line using advanced camera inspection tools in real time—no guesswork involved. From there, we’ll recommend the right solution, whether snaking, hydro-jetting, or trenchless repair.

We proudly serve Las Vegas and Salt Lake City homeowners with fast, expert plumbing services, including sewer line inspections, repairs, and replacements. 

Call 844-216-9300 now to schedule your service and get your plumbing back on track.