Your sewer line is one of those things you don’t think about—until something smells off. Literally.
This buried pipe runs from your home to the main municipal line, carrying away all wastewater. When it’s working, you’ll never know it’s there. But when something’s wrong, your house and yard will start to send unmistakable signals.
Below, the sewer experts at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical have put together a list of the clearest signs your sewer system is in trouble and what to do before a minor issue becomes a major excavation.
A single slow sink usually points to a localized clog. But if your shower, toilet, and kitchen sink are all draining slowly at the same time, it likely means the problem is deeper in your system—often in the main sewer line itself.
You may notice one fixture gurgling when you use another. For example, flushing the toilet makes your shower drain bubble. That’s a sign of blocked airflow due to a partial sewer line obstruction.
What to do: A professional sewer inspection can pinpoint the blockage and determine whether you need cleaning or a more involved sewer line repair in Denver CO.
Sewage has a very distinct (and unpleasant) smell. If you catch a whiff near your drains, in your basement, or especially in your yard, it could mean there’s a crack or leak in your sewer line.
Odors outdoors, particularly near the front of your property where the sewer line runs underground, may be accompanied by soggy soil or pooling water—even if it hasn’t rained.
What to do: Schedule a sewer inspection as soon as possible to locate the leak before it worsens. In some cases, sewer cleaning can help if buildup is causing backflow.
If your toilet starts to gurgle on its own, or you hear strange bubbling sounds when water drains elsewhere in the house, it’s a sign that air is getting trapped in the system.
This usually happens when waste and gases can’t move freely through the sewer line—whether due to debris, tree roots, or pipe damage.
What to do: Gurgling is an early-stage red flag. Call for sewer line service in Denver CO before the issue escalates and causes backups or flooding.
Have you suddenly noticed rats, roaches, or a swarm of flies in your basement or crawl space? They’re often drawn to moisture and sewage—and may be your first sign of a sewer leak under the house.
Water spots, mildew, or soft drywall in your lower level also suggest a problem brewing underground.
What to do: Don’t wait. If water is leaking from a broken or cracked pipe beneath your home, you may need both pipe replacement and sewer repair. Bell will assess the damage and recommend the most cost-effective fix.
If a section of your lawn is suspiciously green and growing faster than the rest—or worse, feels swampy underfoot—it could be due to a leaking sewer line feeding the soil beneath it.
In some cases, the soil above the damaged pipe may even start to dip or cave in. This happens when the surrounding dirt erodes due to persistent underground moisture.
What to do: This is a strong sign your line is compromised. Bell can investigate and, if needed, provide sewer replacement services that minimize disruption to your property.
Sewer problems don’t resolve on their own. They get messier—and more expensive—the longer you wait.
Delaying service can lead to:
Whether you live in Denver or Centennial, your best bet is to get ahead of the problem. At Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, our licensed professionals provide full-service sewer diagnostics, repair, and replacement, all backed by decades of experience.
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