How to Tell If You Need a Main Sewer Line Replacement

sewer line issues

Your home’s main sewer line is essential for safely removing wastewater from your property. When it begins to fail, it can lead to slow drains, foul odors, and even serious water damage. Knowing the warning signs early can save you from costly repairs and potential health hazards.

Here’s how to tell if your main sewer line may need replacement.

1. Frequent Clogged Drains

If multiple drains in your home are backing up regularly, the problem may not be individual pipes but the main sewer line. Frequent clogs throughout the home are a common early warning sign.

What to do:

  • Avoid using chemical drain cleaners—they can worsen pipe damage.

  • Call a professional plumber to inspect the main line.

2. Foul Odors Around Your Property

Persistent sewage odors inside or outside your home indicate wastewater is not flowing properly. Leaks or cracks in the main sewer line can allow gases to escape, creating unpleasant and potentially hazardous smells.

3. Water Backing Up in Unusual Places

If toilets, sinks, or floor drains back up simultaneously, or wastewater appears in areas far from the original fixture, it may signal a main line blockage or break.

4. Slow Draining Fixtures

Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets can indicate partial blockages in the main sewer line. If multiple fixtures are affected, it’s likely a systemic issue rather than an isolated clog.

5. Lush Patches of Grass or Sinkholes in Your Yard

A leaking sewer line underground can release water and nutrients, creating unusually green, healthy grass or even small sinkholes above the damaged pipe.

6. Age of Your Sewer Line

Older homes with clay, cast iron, or galvanized pipes are more prone to cracks, root intrusion, and corrosion. If your sewer line is decades old, proactive replacement may prevent sudden failures.

When to Call a Professional

Main sewer line issues require professional inspection and repair. Davis Plumbing & Heating, Inc. provides comprehensive sewer line evaluation using advanced cameras and diagnostics to determine if replacement is necessary.

Signs you need professional help immediately:

  • Multiple backed-up drains in the home

  • Sewage odors inside or outside the property

  • Visible water damage or sinkholes near the sewer line

Final Thoughts

Ignoring the signs of a failing main sewer line can lead to major damage and costly emergency repairs. Early detection and professional replacement ensure your home’s plumbing system functions safely and efficiently.

📞 Call Davis Plumbing & Heating, Inc. at (951) 657-0393 to inspect your main sewer line and schedule a replacement if needed.