Sewer lines are often the most neglected part of a home’s plumbing system. Many homeowners don’t even know where their sewer lines are located, and even when they do, they usually only think about them once something goes wrong.
There are two main reasons for this. First, most sewer lines run underground, meaning there’s no visible reminder of their existence. Out of sight naturally leads to out of mind, so they tend to be ignored during routine home maintenance.
Second, sewer lines are designed to be durable and handle heavy use, which creates the false assumption that they don’t require regular inspection or upkeep. As a result, they’re often left out of preventative maintenance entirely.
The consequence of this neglect is that sewer line problems tend to appear suddenly and without warning. In reality, many of these issues develop gradually over time, which also makes repairs more complex and costly once they surface.
For homeowners in Hinsdale, IL—where aging infrastructure and severe weather can put added stress on underground systems—you can also explore a more detailed breakdown of local sewer and flood risks in our Plumbing & Flood Control in Hinsdale guide, which covers these conditions in depth.
If you’re buying or evaluating a home in Hinsdale, IL, it’s especially important to understand what a professional plumbing inspection should include before closing, since hidden sewer and plumbing issues can become costly surprises after move-in. Learn more about what to look for in a proper inspection here:
Plumbing inspection before buying a home in Hinsdale
Top 7 signs of an imminent sewer line failure
Chronic drain clogs in your home
If your drains clog frequently, even after you clear them, you may be looking at a sewer line problem manifesting as a clogged drain. That is because a blocked sewer line will often cause your drains to drain slowly or clog often. Unclogging the blocked drain will not solve this problem.
Multiple clogged or blocked drains
A single blocked drain in your home is not a sufficient reason to assume that your sewer line is about to fail. However, if two or more drains are clogged at the same time, there is a good chance that your sewer line is in trouble. Multiple drain clogs happen when the line these affected drainage pipes connect to is blocked.
Sewer odors inside or outside your home
A leaking or cracked sewer line can discharge sewage into the surrounding soil, releasing sewer odors around your yard. Sewer odors inside your house happen when the trapped sewer gases in the sewer line escape into your home. Gases will be trapped inside a sewer system if it is blocked or the sewer vents are malfunctioning.
Backed-up drains and overflowing toilets
A clogged sewer line that is on the verge of backing up will sometimes cause the drains and toilets on the lowest floor of your home to back up. If floor drains are draining slowly and your toilet is not flushing properly, it is a bad sign. A blocked sewer line can also cause fluctuating water levels in your toilet bowl.
Strange noises from your drains
Bubbling/gurgling sounds from your drains are due to trapped sewer gases escaping from the drainage lines via your toilet or drain openings. These trapped gases are displaced each time you flush your toilet or use a drain. The strange sounds are caused by compressed sewer gases forcing their way through the incoming water.
Soggy or overly green patches in your yard
You could have a leaky sewer line if one part of your yard is always wet or soggy. You may also find that plants in one section of your landscaping are greener than in other parts. If this is happening right above the location of your underground drainage system, you can be sure that your sewer line is broken.
Pest invasion of your home
A cracked sewer line that spills sewage into the soil will attract a variety of pests to your home. If you have recently been seeing a lot of roaches, mosquitoes, centipedes, rats, or even snakes on your property, something is attracting them. These creatures may be trying to access the nutrients and water gushing from your damaged pipe.
Ignoring these signs can lead to dire consequences like a collapsed sewer line, structural damage to your building, mold & mildew, contamination of your water supply, and costly sewer repair. However, you can minimize the severity of the problem by acting at once.
What are your available options for fixing these problems?
The first thing is to schedule a sewer camera inspection. This will help your plumber in Hinsdale, IL find the problems and pinpoint their exact location in the sewer line. Based on the inspection report, the plumber can recommend the best solution for the detected issues.
If your sewer line is blocked but not damaged, you may only need to clear out the debris, using either hydro jetting or sewer rodding. However, if you have a leaky, cracked, or collapsed sewer line, you must replace the affected section using a method such as pipe relining.
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Need assistance with you sewer line in Hinsdale, IL? Our professionals can help! Call us today at 630-749-9057.
