There are several signs you should always be on the lookout for when it comes to broken sewer lines. Unfortunately, most home and business owners are woefully unaware of the symptoms of a broken sewer line. So, to help rectify this little problem, the team of plumbing professionals here at Dependable Rooter & Plumbing has put together a list of the five most common signs of a broken sewer line. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Sign 1 – Sewer Odors and Gasses
The first and one of the most apparent signs of a broken sewer line is the presence of sewer odors and gasses. If you’ve noticed a sewage smell from your yard, plumbing fixtures, and drains, you likely have a leaking or broken portion of your sewer line. So, if you’ve smelled sewage around your property, please do not hesitate to call us at (916) 238-5848 for assistance.
Sign 2 – Gurgling Toilets and Drains
Gurgling sounds from toilet drains and other plumbing fixtures are severe signs of a broken sewer line. Usually, hearing the gurgling sound once or twice is nothing to worry yourself over. However, suppose you hear gurgling or see bubbling every time you flush the toilet or let water down the sink. In that case, you probably have a broken sewer line that needs immediate sewer repair service.
Sign 3 – Pests
Since rodents and insects are attracted to water sources, a leaking and broken sewer line will naturally bring in the pests. Suppose you’ve noticed a sudden uptick in pest problems you experience at home. In that case, a broken sewer line may be the culprit. Contact us here at Dependable Rooter & Plumbing for a sewer inspection if you’ve noticed more pest problems than usual. You should especially do so if you’ve noticed more pests in addition to one or more of the other signs on this list.
Sign 4 – Slow-Moving Drains
As with gurgling drains, you may have a broken sewer line if you notice slow-moving drains and plumbing fixtures. If you have any slow-moving drains on your property, don’t hesitate to contact us for sewer video inspection services. The faster you act, the less likely your sewer problem will worsen.
Sign 5 – Sewage Backup in the Toilet or Tub
Having sewage back up into your toilet or tub is another serious sign of a broken sewer line. While it is true that a backup is more typically associated with a clog or obstruction, it can also happen due to a broken section of the line. So, if you’ve noticed any sewage backups in your toilet or drains, contact our professional plumbers immediately.
Contact Dependable Rooter & Plumbing for Help With a Broken Sewer Line
You’ve come to the right place if you notice any of the previously mentioned signs of broken sewer lines. Here at Dependable Rooter & Plumbing, we pride ourselves on being the go-to sewer repair and trenchless sewer replacement company. So, if you need help with your sewer line, please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately! We’re always standing by to help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a broken sewer line?
The five most common signs are sewer odors and gases, gurgling toilets and drains, pests, slow-moving drains, and sewage backup in the toilet or tub. Sewage smells can come from the yard, plumbing fixtures, or drains.
Why does my yard or drain smell like sewage?
A sewage smell from the yard, plumbing fixtures, or drains suggests a leaking or broken portion of the sewer line. That odor is one of the most apparent signs of a broken sewer line.
When is gurgling from a toilet or drain a concern?
Hearing a gurgling sound once or twice is usually nothing to worry about. If you hear gurgling or see bubbling every time you flush the toilet or let water down the sink, a broken sewer line may need repair.
Why would a broken sewer line attract pests?
Rodents and insects are attracted to water sources, so a leaking and broken sewer line naturally brings in pests. A sudden uptick in pest problems at home may point to a broken sewer line, especially when other signs are present.
Can slow drains mean a broken sewer line?
Yes. Slow-moving drains and plumbing fixtures can indicate a broken sewer line, and a video inspection can identify the problem. The faster you act, the less likely the sewer problem will worsen.
What does a sewage backup in the toilet or tub mean?
A sewage backup is a serious sign of a broken sewer line. It is more typically associated with a clog or obstruction, but it can also happen because of a broken section of the line.
Should I request a sewer inspection if I notice several signs?
When more than one of these signs appears, a sewer inspection is the practical next step. The faster the problem is found, the less likely the sewer problem will worsen.


