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Top 5 Warning Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection

Top 5 Warning Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection

Top 5 Warning Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection Nov 04, 2025

Your sewer line works really hard behind the scenes to get rid of wastewater and maintain a hygienic environment. Like other components of your plumbing system, your sewer line is susceptible to damage resulting from many sources. From tree root damage and freezing weather to improper waste disposal and soil shifting—any of these issues can damage your sewer line and bring everything to a standstill.

It's advisable to watch out for signs of sewer line problems and schedule an inspection before things get out of hand. Regular inspections may cost you some money upfront, but the long-term benefits outweigh the expenses. In today’s blog post, the plumbers at Rooter Man Plumbing share the 5 signs that indicate you need a sewer line inspection.

Slow Drains Throughout Your Home

If you notice that water is draining slowly from multiple fixtures, such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets, it could be more than a localized clog. You’re more likely dealing with a blockage along your sewer line. Over time, grease buildup, hair, soap scum, and even tree roots can restrict flow, thereby causing water to drain sluggishly. A professional inspection can locate the obstruction and determine whether cleaning or repair is necessary before the problem worsens. Call a local plumber in Tacoma, WA specializing in sewer line repair for an inspection.

Unpleasant Odors Coming from Drains or the Yard

A sewer line keeps odors contained through a combination of airtight construction, proper venting, and water traps that act as barriers between your home and the sewer system. If foul odors are permeating into your home, it means one of these components is not working as it should. Foul odors can render your house uninhabitable and lead to health issues. It’s a good idea to consult with a local plumbing service when you notice unpleasant odors coming from your drains.

Frequent Backups or Gurgling Toilets

A sewer backup is one of the most obvious signs of a major issue. When wastewater has nowhere to go, it can flow back into your toilets, tubs, or sinks. You might also hear gurgling or bubbling noises when flushing the toilet or running water in nearby fixtures. If you experience recurring backups, it’s time to call a skilled plumber for a professional sewer inspection to identify the root cause.

Unexplained Patches of Lush Grass or Wet Spots

If certain areas of your yard appear unusually green or soggy, your sewer line may be leaking underground. When sewage escapes into the soil, it acts as fertilizer, causing the grass above it to grow faster and greener than surrounding areas. You might also notice puddles or soft, wet spots even when it hasn’t rained. These signs suggest a possible break in the sewer line that requires an inspection to determine the condition of the sewer line. Contact a professional plumbing service for help to prevent further damage or contamination.

Sudden Increase in Water Bills or Mold Growth

You might also notice mold or mildew forming on walls, floors, or ceilings when your sewer line is damaged. Because sewer line issues can worsen quickly, it’s best to schedule an inspection as soon as you notice any of these warning signs.

Got Sewer Line Problems? Do Not Hesitate to Call Rooter Man Plumbing

As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s certainly the case when it comes to your sewer line. Routine sewer line inspections allow you to catch issues in their tracks and resolve them before they escalate. If you’ve noticed any of the signs we’ve listed above, get in touch with Rooter Man Plumbing for sewer repair. You can call us via phone or leave us a message on our online contact form. We look forward to keeping your sewer line working smoothly again.

Testimonials

What People Are Saying!

Fast friendly service. Family-owned business. Very happy with my home repair

Gina Kneeland Tacoma, WA

Quick response from initial call and Jared arrived early the next morning to fix our broken spigot, during a time where the cold weather has been wreaking havoc on homeowners and commercial properties frozen pipes.

Robby G. Tacoma, WA

No-nonsense, very communicative, transparent in work scope. I used them for a very small project, but they seem very knowledgable about older style plumbing. I will be using them from now on.

Noah Schenirer Tacoma, WA

Rob from Rooter-Man and his team did an outstanding job on replacing our graywater piping in our crawl space. I thought their pricing was fair, and he gave a clear explanation on what it would take. I now have a plumber I can count on.

Paul Barnard Tacoma, WA