Top 4 Signs of a Sewer Line Problem

Your sewer lines are one of the most vital plumbing systems on your property. If they break or develop an obstruction, they can create a massive disaster that takes a lot of time and money to resolve. For this reason, if you start to notice any signs that your sewer system might be experiencing some trouble, it is important to act fast and contact an emergency plumber for an inspection. Catching and resolving a small plumbing problem early on is the key to avoiding costly plumbing disasters. Not sure what sewer line problems look like?

Continue reading to learn the top 4 signs that indicate a potential breakage or blockage in sewer lines.

Indianapolis Sewer Line Plumber 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Sewer Line Plumber 317-784-1870

Bright Green Spots on the Lawn

Do some areas of your lawn look like normal-colored grass, but other spots are distinctively greener or brighter? If so, you might be looking at the most common sign of a busted or blocked sewer line. If an underground sewage pipe is leaking or cracked open, it is essentially fertilizing your lawn, which as biology shows us, renders greener, lusher grass.  

Stagnant Water on the Lawn

Some puddling every now and again after a storm is normal. But if your lawn doesn’t seem to drain its puddles fast enough, or at all, it could be a sign that your sewer line is cracked. A cracked main line, broken septic tank, and obstructions in a drain field can all cause water and sewage to release, which eventually pools into puddles on the surface of the lawn. This can also cause lingering odors, as you would imagine, which is another common indication of a problematic sewer system.

Sewer Odors

As just mentioned above, another common sign that suggests there is something going wrong within your sewer line system is a lingering sewer smell. If sewage water is leaking underground or pooling on the surface, you can guarantee it will carry its odors with it. Such odors can also attract unwanted nuisance wildlife and pests, which can be a threat to people, pets, and property.

Slow Draining

If your drains are draining slower than usual, you might want to focus your attention on your sewer lines. That is because slow drains are a common sign of a backed-up or clogged sewer line. If you have just one or two isolated drains that drains slowly, you likely have a standard clogged drain issue. But if all of your plumbing fixture drains are draining slow, such as the bathtub, kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, and showers, then it is likely your sewer lines.

How to Repair a Broken Sewer Line in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need drain clearing plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections for damaged sewer lines. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Common Signs of a Sewer Line Leak

Properly functioning sewer lines are a priceless commodity. Your personal comfort and quality of life depend on their performance. So when they start to show signs of a problem, you must act fast to preserve your home’s plumbing operation.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870


Sewer lines are common targets for problems like corrosion and blockage, but one of the most frustrating of all sewer line issues are leakages. Unfortunately, detecting a sewer line leak often comes with some difficulty since they are located underground. This is even more troubling since it is vital to catch a leak in its earliest stages in order to prevent costly repairs and renovations. However, with routine plumbing inspections provided by a licensed plumber, you can ensure that your home’s sewer lines are in optimal condition. It also helps to know what the signs are for a sewer line leak. This knowledge will help you catch a leak early enough to prevent a sewer line disaster.

Here are some signs of a sewer line leak:

Sounds of running water, even when water is shut off. If you hear water running inside the walls after you turn off your faucets, there could be a sewer line leak.

Floor feels soft, moist, or appears discolored. If an area of your floor seems moist or soft, or has changed color in a certain spot, or all three, it could be a result of pooling water around the sewer line leak.

Odors emitting from walls or floors. If you smell a musty or strange odor near certain areas of your walls or floors, it could be from water accumulation resulting from a leak.

Noticeable landscaping or grade changes. Settling waste water from a sewer line leak can cause unusual plant growth patterns, as well as, sunken or wet patches in lawns.

A sudden rodent problem. Rodents are attracted to settling waste water and the insects it attracts.

An unusually high water bill. Leaks mean that your home is using more water than you think you are using. This leads to an unexpected costly water bill.

What Should You Do?

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

If you notice one or more of the above signs, it is vital that you contact our Indianapolis plumbing company right away. The sooner you address the possibility of a leak, the cheaper and easier it will be to resolve the problem if a leak exists. Weilhammer Plumbing Company has been in business for over 100 years. Trust owner, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed and insured plumbers, to deliver exceptional and affordable plumbing repair, replacements, diagnostics, installations, equipment sales, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today!