Three Early Signs Your Sewer Line Is Starting to Fail
- colossusplumbing
- Nov 29, 2025
- 1 min read
Sewer lines rarely fail without giving warning signs first. The earliest and most common sign is a gurgling toilet. When the sewer line becomes restricted, air cannot move through the system normally. When water tries to drain, the trapped air is forced through the toilet, creating a bubbling or gurgling sound. Many homeowners ignore this at first, but it is often the first indicator of a developing sewer issue.

The second sign is the smell of sewer gas. Even a faint odor around drains, basements, or the yard can mean the sewer line has buildup, roots, or a low spot that is holding waste. A healthy sewer line should not release any odor.
The third major sign is water backing up at the lowest drain in the home. This might be a downstairs shower, a utility drain, or a basement tub. When the main line cannot drain properly, waste water flows to the lowest available opening. If water is coming up where it should not, the sewer line needs attention immediately.
Sewer problems tend to get worse quickly. Roots grow, buildup thickens, and shifts in the pipe cause more obstruction. A camera inspection can identify the exact problem and determine whether cleaning or repair is needed.
If you have noticed any of these signs your sewer line is starting to fail, we can run a camera and help you understand what is happening in your line.






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