How to Know When Your Sewer Line May Need to Be Checked by a Plumber

Your home’s sewer line is an essential part of the plumbing system, carrying wastewater away from your property and into the municipal sewer or septic system. When it’s working properly, it’s easy to forget it even exists. But when problems begin to surface, ignoring them can lead to serious and costly damage. Knowing when your sewer line needs to be checked by a plumber can save you time, money, and stress.

Here are the key warning signs that it might be time to call a professional plumber for your sewer line in Athens, GA.

1. Frequent Drain Clogs or Slow Drains

One of the earliest and most common signs of sewer line trouble is slow drainage or frequent clogs, especially if it happens in multiple areas of your home. If your kitchen sink, shower, and toilet all seem to be draining slowly or backing up at the same time, the issue is likely deeper in the sewer line—not just a localized clog.

While a single slow drain might be a minor issue, multiple slow drains or repeated clogs are worth a plumber’s inspection.

2. Foul Odors

Unpleasant smells coming from your drains, yard, or basement can be a red flag. Sewer gas has a distinct, rotten egg smell that’s hard to miss. If you notice a persistent foul odor near your drains or outside near where the sewer line exits your house, it may indicate a leak, crack, or blockage in the sewer line that needs immediate attention.

Sewer smells should never be ignored—they can be hazardous to your health and often signal a serious plumbing problem.

3. Gurgling Sounds in Pipes

Strange gurgling or bubbling noises from toilets, sinks, or bathtubs when water is draining can be a sign of a blockage or venting issue in the sewer system. These noises occur when air gets trapped due to a clog or damage in the line and then escapes through the nearest opening—usually your drains.

This isn’t just a quirky noise—it's often one of the first warning signs of an impending sewer line backup.

4. Water Backups

If water starts backing up into your sinks, tubs, or toilets—especially after flushing the toilet or using a washing machine—it’s a strong indicator of a main sewer line blockage. Backups often start at the lowest point in your home, such as a basement drain or ground-level shower.

This type of issue is more than an inconvenience—it can lead to serious water damage, contamination, and mold if not addressed quickly.

5. Soggy or Sunken Areas in the Yard

Sewer lines often run underneath your yard. If you notice constantly wet, soggy, or unusually green patches of grass in specific areas, there could be a break or leak in the underground pipe. This can cause wastewater to seep into the soil, sometimes leaving behind unpleasant smells or causing the ground to sink.

This is a clear sign that your sewer line may be damaged and should be inspected immediately by a plumber with sewer camera equipment.

6. Pest Problems

A damaged or cracked sewer line can attract rodents and insects, such as rats, cockroaches, and flies. These pests are drawn to the moisture and waste and can often find their way into your home through cracks or holes in the pipe. If you suddenly have a pest problem along with other signs like odors or backups, your sewer line might be the source.

7. Increased Water Bills

While not the most obvious sign, an unexplained spike in your water bill could suggest a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, including the sewer line. Though sewer lines don’t carry fresh water, problems with connected plumbing fixtures or backups can affect water usage and efficiency.

Call Jordan Air for Your Sewer Line Repair Needs

Catching sewer line problems early can prevent major repairs and keep your home safe and sanitary. If you notice slow drains, foul odors, strange noises, water backups, or changes in your yard, it’s time to call a licensed plumber in Athens, GA. Many professionals use video camera inspections to diagnose sewer line issues quickly and accurately. Don’t wait until the problem becomes a costly emergency. Being proactive about your plumbing can save you in the long run.

If you’re in Athens and looking for a plumber, Jordan Air offers no better option than Jordan Air + Plumbing. Since 1993, we have provided high-quality and fast emergency and non-emergency plumbing services to homeowners and renters in Athens, GA and surrounding cities. Our team is like our family, and we make sure that everyone we send out to our clients homes is skilled, certified, and professional. 

Contact us by visiting our site or calling 706-268-9369 to speak with us directly. We look forward to helping you resolve your plumbing issues soon.