5 Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Immediate Attention

February 25, 2025

Ignoring Sewer Problems Can Lead to Costly Repairs

Your sewer system plays a crucial role in keeping your property safe and functional. However, when issues arise, they often go unnoticed until a major backup or failure occurs. A neglected sewer problem can lead to:
Costly repairs due to pipe damage or blockages.
Sewage backups that create unsanitary conditions.
Foundation damage from leaking wastewater.

At Green Earth Environmental, we help homeowners, businesses, and municipalities detect sewer issues early with CCTV sewer inspections and routine maintenance. Here are 5 major warning signs that your sewer line needs immediate attention.

1. Slow Drains Throughout Your Property

If you notice multiple drains are emptying slowly, this could mean:
A blockage is forming deep within your sewer line.
Tree roots are growing into your pipes, restricting flow.
Pipe damage is preventing proper drainage.

What to do: If plunging or drain cleaners don’t work, a professional sewer inspection can identify the root cause.

2. Unpleasant Odors Inside or Outside

A properly functioning sewer system should never produce noticeable smells. If you detect a sewage odor inside your home or around your property, it could mean:
A cracked sewer pipe is leaking sewage.
A blockage is causing sewage gases to escape.
Your sewer vent is clogged, preventing proper airflow.

Ignoring sewer gas leaks can lead to health hazards and further pipe deterioration.

3. Frequent Toilet & Drain Backups

One of the most serious signs of a failing sewer system is wastewater backing up into your sinks, tubs, or toilets. This often happens when:
A main sewer line blockage prevents proper flow.
Heavy rainfall overwhelms your drainage system.
A collapsed pipe is stopping wastewater from reaching the city sewer.

If your drains keep backing up, don’t wait—this issue can quickly escalate into flooding and water damage.

4. Soggy or Sunken Spots in Your Yard

If you notice wet patches or sinkholes forming in your yard when it hasn’t rained, you may have a hidden sewer leak underground. Common causes include:
A cracked or leaking pipe releasing wastewater into the soil.
Tree roots breaking into sewer lines, causing slow leaks.
Collapsed sewer pipes, leading to soil erosion and ground instability.

Sewer line leaks can worsen quickly, leading to property damage and costly excavation work.

5. A Sudden Increase in Your Water Bill

If your water bill unexpectedly spikes but your usage hasn’t changed, this could signal:
A hidden sewer or water line leak beneath your property.
A broken connection in your plumbing system.
Undetected water waste that could be damaging your home’s foundation.

A sewer evaluation can help pinpoint leaks before they cause significant financial and structural damage.

How Green Earth Environmental Can Help

At Green Earth Environmental, we specialize in advanced CCTV sewer inspections to identify and resolve sewer line issues before they escalate. Our team provides:
High-definition camera inspections to detect blockages, leaks, and structural damage.
Flush vacuum cleaning to clear out debris, grease, and root infiltration.
Non-invasive solutions to minimize disruption and prevent costly excavation.

📞 If you're experiencing sewer issues, don’t wait! Contact Green Earth Environmental today for a professional sewer inspection and expert solutions.