Your home’s sewer line quietly moves wastewater safely out of your home so you can go about your day without thinking about it. When it starts to fail, the signs aren’t always obvious at first. Knowing what to look for can help you act before a small issue turns into a messy, expensive repair. As your local sewer line service provider, ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning offers thorough diagnostics to keep sewer lines in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties running smoothly. Let’s dive into what you need to look out for when it comes to your sewer line.
What Causes Sewer Line Failure?
Late summer in Southwest Florida can be tough on sewer lines. Heavy rains and saturated soil often cause the ground to shift, and tree roots go searching for extra water—sometimes right into your pipes. Add in the wear and tear of years of use, and it’s easy to see why problems often surface this time of year.
Common causes of sewer line damage include:
- Tree root intrusion: Roots can break into pipes through small cracks and grow inside, blocking wastewater flow.
- Ground shifting: Soil movement can misalign pipes or cause them to collapse.
- Aging pipes: Older materials can corrode, crack, or break over time.
- Clogs from buildup: Grease, soap scum, and non-flushable items can block the line.
- Damage from construction or landscaping: Digging too close to buried lines or running heavy equipment over them can cause accidental breaks.
Signs of Sewer Line Issues to Watch For
Because sewer lines are underground, many problems develop unnoticed until they’re severe. That’s why professional diagnostics—like ABC Southwest’s camera inspections and hydro jetting—are so valuable. They get to the root of the problem quickly and prevent repeat issues. Homeowners sometimes mistake the signs of sewer line issues for small, isolated plumbing problems. Here’s what you need to look out for:
Odors
A failing sewer line can release foul smells around drains, in the yard, or even inside your home. You might notice a musty, rotten egg, or sewage-like odor. These smells often mean sewer gases are escaping where they shouldn’t.
Frequent Backups
If multiple drains in your home are backing up at the same time, the issue is likely in the main sewer line—not just a single fixture. Backups that keep coming back after snaking or plunging are a major red flag.
Slow Drains
One slow sink might be a simple clog, but if all or most of your drains are sluggish, it could mean something is blocking the sewer line. The problem may get worse over time as the blockage builds.
Pooling Water in Yard
Soggy spots or foul-smelling puddles in your yard can mean the sewer line is cracked or broken underground. This allows wastewater to seep into the soil instead of flowing to the municipal line.
Gurgling Sounds
Hearing bubbles or gurgles from toilets, sinks, or showers? This can happen when wastewater struggles to pass through a blocked or damaged sewer pipe, creating trapped air pockets that escape through your drains.
Call ABC Southwest for Main Sewer Line Services
A sewer line problem can go from bad to worse very quickly, so you need a plumbing team you can trust to be available and fix the problem the right way. ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning offers same-day service, 24/7 emergency response, and upfront, no-surprise pricing. Our licensed and insured plumbers arrive on time, treat your home with care, and use advanced tools to restore your sewer line’s performance—whether that means clearing a blockage with hydro jetting or pinpointing damage with a video inspection. More than a promise, our level of service is guaranteed!
Having sewer line issues? Contact ABC Southwest today for sewer line services throughout Manatee County, Sarasota County, & Charlotte County.
