5 Signs of Sewer Line Trouble To Watch For

Most plumbing problems are easy to spot—but sewer line issues tend to stay hidden until they become major headaches. A damaged or blocked sewer line can lead to slow drains, sewage backups, bad odors, and even costly damage to your home and yard. Because the sewer line runs underground, it’s easy to overlook early warning signs. That’s where The Maynard Man comes in. By knowing what to watch for, you can catch problems before they spiral into emergencies. Let’s walk through five key signs your sewer line might be in trouble—and what to do next.

Multiple Drains Backing Up at Once

It’s normal for a single sink or tub to clog now and then—but when several drains in your home start backing up at the same time, there’s usually a bigger problem. This is one of the clearest signs that your main sewer line is blocked or damaged. If you notice slow draining in the shower, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink all at once, your sewer system might not be able to handle the waste flow. Flushing a toilet and hearing water gurgle in the tub or drain is another strong indicator. When backups start happening in more than one place, it’s time to call in a pro before sewage comes back into your home.

Gurgling Sounds or Bubbles in Drains

Drains should be quiet—so if you’re hearing gurgling or seeing air bubbles, your sewer line might be struggling. These sounds often happen when water tries to move past a clog or obstruction and air gets trapped behind it. As the water forces its way through, the trapped air escapes back into your plumbing, causing bubbles and noise in sinks, tubs, or toilets. You might notice this when you flush a toilet and hear gurgling in the nearby tub, or when running the sink makes your kitchen drain bubble. It may seem minor, but these symptoms often mean something more serious is happening below the surface.

Sewer Odors Indoors or Outside

One of the most noticeable (and unpleasant) signs of sewer line trouble is the smell. If you detect a strong sewage odor in your basement, near floor drains, or around your yard, it could mean a cracked or leaking sewer pipe. Sewer gases are meant to stay sealed inside your plumbing system—so if they’re escaping, there’s a problem. The smell of raw sewage is hard to ignore, and it’s more than just a nuisance—it could indicate a health hazard or structural risk. Whether it’s coming from a drain inside or from an area of the yard outside, it’s time to act fast. The longer it goes unchecked, the more serious (and expensive) the repair can become.

Soggy Spots or Sunken Areas in the Yard

Have you noticed a patch of grass that’s unusually green or constantly damp—even when it hasn’t rained? That could be your sewer line leaking underground. As wastewater escapes into the soil, it creates soggy, soft areas in your yard and may even lead to sunken or collapsed spots over time. This type of leak can go unnoticed until the damage is visible above ground. It can also create unpleasant odors and attract pests. If you see pooling water, squishy soil, or strange dips forming in your lawn, it’s time to investigate what’s going on beneath the surface.

Toilet Issues That Keep Coming Back

Toilets are often the first place sewer line trouble shows up. That’s because they’re directly connected to the main drain line—and when that line is blocked or damaged, the toilet can’t function properly. If you’re dealing with constant clogs, weak flushing, or bubbling in the bowl after other drains are used, your toilet may be signaling a deeper issue. Repeated plunging or slow draining despite your best efforts is a red flag. These recurring problems might not be in the toilet itself—they could be caused by a blockage or break further down the sewer line. If these issues keep coming back, it’s time to get a professional inspection.

Wrap-Up: Call Maynard Before a Small Problem Becomes a Big One

Sewer line issues aren’t always obvious—but when they start showing signs, it’s important to act fast. Whether it’s gurgling drains, foul smells, soggy yards, or recurring clogs, these symptoms all point to one thing: your sewer line needs attention. Ignoring them can lead to serious damage, costly repairs, and unpleasant messes that no homeowner wants to deal with. The Maynard Man is here to help you catch problems early and fix them the right way. Contact Maynard Plumbing, Heating, Cooling to schedule your sewer line inspection and protect your home from below-the-surface trouble.