How to Tell If Your Sewer Line Is Clogged (Before It’s a Disaster!)

A clogged sewer line is a plumbing issue you never want to ignore. Unlike a slow-draining sink or backed-up toilet, a sewer line clog affects your entire home’s plumbing system. If left untreated, it could lead to raw sewage backing up into your house—and trust us, that’s a nightmare you want to avoid.

So, how can you tell if your sewer line is clogged before it becomes a full-blown disaster? Here are the most common warning signs to watch for:

1. Multiple Drains Are Slow or Backing Up

If just one drain is slow, it’s usually a simple clog in that pipe. But when multiple drains (such as sinks, tubs, and toilets) are all draining slowly at the same time, that’s a red flag. Your sewer line might be blocked, preventing wastewater from leaving your home.

Test It Yourself:

Run water in a sink and see if the toilet bubbles or gurgles.
Flush the toilet and check if water backs up in the tub or shower.
If one drain affects another, your main sewer line is likely clogged.

2. Strange Noises from Your Pipes

Gurgling noises from your drains, toilet, or pipes can indicate air is trapped in the plumbing due to a blockage. If your toilet makes odd noises when flushed, it’s a sign your sewer line is struggling to push waste through.

3. Water Backing Up in Odd Places

If you flush the toilet and water rises in your shower, tub, or sink, that’s a clear sign that wastewater has nowhere to go. Water should always flow away from your home, not back inside.

Why This Happens:

A clogged sewer line forces wastewater to seek the closest exit.
Because tubs and showers are lower than sinks, backup often happens there first.
The more you use your plumbing, the worse the backup will get.

4. A Foul Smell That Won’t Go Away

A persistent sewage smell inside your home or yard is a serious problem. If your sewer line is clogged, it can cause sewage to back up into your home, creating an unbearable odor.

Where to Check:

Bathrooms, especially near drains and toilets.
Basements or crawl spaces.
Your yard, particularly above your sewer line.

5. Your Yard Has Mysterious Puddles or Extra Green Grass

If your sewer line is cracked or clogged, you might notice strange wet spots in your yard. Even worse, wastewater leaking underground can fertilize your grass, making certain areas unusually lush and green.

Signs to Look For:

Unexplained soggy spots in the yard.
Greener, thicker grass than the rest of your lawn.
A bad smell near the wet areas.

6. Your Toilet Won’t Flush (or It Keeps Overflowing)

If your toilet won’t flush or keeps overflowing and a plunger doesn’t help, it could signal a sewer line clog. Frequent toilet clogs or slow flushing indicate a bigger issue with your sewer line.

Plumber’s Tip:
If all toilets in your home are struggling simultaneously, it’s almost certainly a sewer line problem—not just a regular clog.

7. You Have an Older Home with Big Trees

Older homes, especially those with large trees in the yard, are at higher risk for clogs caused by tree roots. Tree roots naturally seek moisture and can invade small cracks in your sewer line, eventually causing a full blockage.

Signs of Tree Root Issues:

Slowly worsening drains.
Gurgling noises from your pipes.
Frequent sewage backups.

If you suspect tree roots are to blame, call a plumber to conduct a camera inspection and confirm the issue.

What to Do If Your Sewer Line Is Clogged

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—addressing the issue early can save you from a major plumbing disaster.

Try These First:

✅ Stop using water in your home to prevent sewage from backing up.
✅ Check outside cleanout access (if you have one) to see if sewage is visible.
✅ Call a professional plumber—this isn’t a DIY fix!

Call Nearby Plumbing for Fast, Reliable Help!

If you’re in Midvale or West Jordan, Utah, we specialize in fast and affordable sewer line repairs and emergency plumbing services. Whether you need sewer line excavation, hydro jetting, or a full replacement, we’ve got you covered!

🚨 Same-day emergency service available! 🚨
📞 Call Nearby Plumbing today at 385-308-5384!
💧 Don’t wait until it’s too late—let’s get your pipes flowing again! 💧