Sewer line issues are the plumbing problems homeowners dread most — and for good reason. Left untreated, a damaged sewer line can lead to sewage backups, foundation damage, and costly excavation. Nearby Plumbing has been diagnosing and repairing sewer lines across Utah since 2002, and these are the warning signs we tell every homeowner to watch for.
1. Multiple Slow Drains
If more than one drain in your home is running slowly — especially in different rooms — the problem is likely in your main sewer line, not individual drain clogs.
2. Gurgling Sounds From Toilets
Air trapped in the sewer line escapes through your toilet, creating a gurgling noise. This is one of the earliest and most reliable warning signs of a blockage forming downstream.
3. Sewage Smell in Your Yard or Basement
A properly functioning sewer line is completely sealed. If you smell sewage — especially near your foundation or in your yard — there’s likely a crack or break in the line.
4. Lush Patches in Your Lawn
Sewage is an effective fertilizer. If one area of your yard is suddenly greener and lusher than the rest, a leaking sewer line may be feeding it from below. This is especially common in the clay-heavy soils around Herriman, Riverton, and South Jordan.
5. Foundation Cracks or Settling
A leaking sewer line can erode soil under your foundation, causing cracks and uneven settling. This turns a plumbing problem into a structural one fast.
6. Rodent or Insect Infestations
Cracks in sewer lines create entry points for rats, cockroaches, and other pests. If you’re suddenly dealing with an infestation, have your sewer line inspected.
7. Sewage Backups
The most obvious sign — and the most urgent. If sewage is backing up into your drains or toilets, call immediately.
What Nearby Plumbing Can Do
We use sewer video inspection to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem — no guesswork, no unnecessary digging. Our trenchless sewer repair and main sewer lining services fix the problem with minimal disruption to your property. Serving Ogden to Spanish Fork and everywhere in between. Call (385) 327-7711 for a free assessment.
