7 Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection

Your home’s plumbing system is something you probably don’t think about—until something goes wrong. But if issues with your sewer line are left unchecked, they can lead to extensive damage, costly repairs, and health hazards. Fortunately, there are some warning signs you can look out for that will help you keep disaster from striking.

 

 

What is a Sewer Inspection

A sewer line inspection is a professional evaluation of the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the main sewer or septic system. During an inspection, plumbers typically use a specialized camera to assess the condition of the sewer line, check for blockages, cracks, root intrusion, or other potential problems.

These inspections are crucial to make sure your sewer system is running efficiently and to catch any minor problems before they become costly disasters.

 

Signs You Need a Sewer Line Inspection

So, how do you know if it’s time to schedule a sewer line inspection? Keep an eye out for these seven signs around your home.

 

1. Rotten Smell

A foul smell from your drains could signify that there is a blockage somewhere in your sewer system, likely in your pipes. Clogs and sewer system breakdowns could be preventing your system from venting properly, causing the rotten odor.

 

2. Slow Drains Throughout the House

A single slowed-down drain is likely caused by a minor clog from soap scum, food, or hair. These are usually quickly fixed by unclogging drains using a snake or plunger. However, if the issue persists or is impacting more than one drain throughout the house, it could be a blockage in your system and is one of the biggest signs you need a sewer line inspection.

 

3. Gurgling Sounds From Drains

Your drains are designed to be a part of your sewer system’s venting. If you have a clog in your system, the air that would normally flow freely through your drains gets trapped and creates gurgling or bubbling noises as it attempts to move through the clog.

 

4. Low Water Pressure

If you find that your water isn’t flowing properly, this could be a sign of a clog or another issue with your sewer line. This can manifest in low water pressure or turning the faucet on to no water.

 

5. Greener Spots in Your Yard

A lush yard may seem like a positive, but it can be a sign that something is wrong with your sewer system. If you notice parts of your yard are greener than the rest, it’s possible that your sewer line has a leak or breakdown somewhere. This leak releases extra moisture and nutrients into the ground, which causes the additional growth. Oftentimes, these lush areas will also have that foul smell connected to clogs.

 

6. Toilet Backups or Other Issues

Again, drain clogs can be a sign of potential problems with your sewer system. This includes your toilets. In fact, since they are one of the only drains connected directly to your sewer, problems with your toilets are potentially one of the biggest signs you need a sewer line inspection. If you are constantly having to unclog the toilets or are experiencing other strange behavior like low water levels or gurgling noises, you may have a clog or issues with your sewer line, like root intrusion or leaks.

 

7. It’s Been a While Since Your Last Inspection

 

Even if you aren’t experiencing any noticeable plumbing issues, regular sewer line inspections are still a smart move—especially if you live in an older home, have large trees near your sewer line, or haven’t had your system checked in years.

Small issues like minor cracks or early root intrusion inside your pipes often go unnoticed until they become full-blown problems. By scheduling a routine inspection, you can catch these issues early—before they cause backups, water damage, or expensive repairs.

 

Sewer line problems don’t fix themselves—and the longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) they can get. If you’re noticing any of these signs, don’t hesitate to schedule a professional sewer line inspection. A quick inspection now could save you from major repairs, health hazards, and extensive damage down the line.