What to Do If Your Sewer Line Is Clogged

If you’ve ever dealt with slow drains or a sudden sewage smell, you know one thing for sure: sewer line problems don’t wait for a convenient moment.

The good news? If you know the early signs and what to do next, you can prevent a minor clog from becoming a full-blown emergency.

Here’s how to spot a sewer line issue, what causes it, and when to call for professional clogged sewer line service.

Common Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

Most sewer line problems don’t happen overnight. They start small—until the symptoms become too noticeable to ignore. Keep an eye out for:

Multiple Drains Backing Up at Once

If your sinks, tubs, and toilets all seem sluggish at the same time, that’s rarely a coincidence. It’s one of the clearest signs that the clog is in the main line, not in a single fixture.

Gurgling Sounds from Drains & Toilets

Air gets trapped behind blockages and escapes through the nearest opening. If your drains sound like they’re talking back, you may need clogged sewer line service.

Water Backing Up in Unexpected Places

Flushing a toilet shouldn’t make the tub fill with water. When it does, it means wastewater isn’t moving through the line the way it should.

Foul Odors from Drains or the Yard

A healthy system is sealed and odorless. Persistent sewage smells indicate a clog or even a break in the outdoor line.

Slow Drainage Throughout the Home

One slow drain is normal. All of them dragging at once? That’s a definite sign you need a clogged sewer line fix.

Common Causes of Sewer Line Clogs

Understanding why clogs happen can make prevention a lot easier. The most common causes include:

• Tree Roots: Roots naturally search for water—and your sewer line is a perfect target. Once they enter through small cracks or joints, they grow fast and create dense blockages.
• Pipe Damage or Collapse: Older clay or cast-iron pipes are especially vulnerable to cracking, shifting, or collapsing, which narrows the pathway for wastewater.
• Grease and Fat Buildup: Pouring grease down the drain, even occasionally, can create a hardened mass inside the pipe that eventually stops everything behind it.
• Foreign Objects: Wipes, feminine hygiene products, Q-tips, “flushable” wipes (spoiler: they aren’t)—all of these cause sewer line clogs.
• Sediment and Scale: Over time, minerals and debris build up inside older pipes, reducing flow.

How to Fix a Clogged Sewer Line

Before you reach for tools or cleaners, here’s the right way to start.

Stop Using Water Immediately

Every flush, shower, or load of laundry pushes more wastewater toward the blockage, increasing the risk of a full backup.

Try a Plunger (If Only One Fixture Is Affected)

If the backup is isolated, you may be dealing with a local drain clog—not the main sewer line. A plunger can sometimes help.

Try Snaking the Drain (With Caution)

A household drain snake can clear small, shallow clogs. But here’s the truth: home snakes can’t reach the main sewer line and sometimes make the problem worse by compacting the blockage.

Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

They rarely work on severe clogs and can damage older pipes. If your sewer line is compromised, harsh chemicals won’t fix it—they’ll just add to the problem.

When to Call a Professional for Clogged Sewer Line Service

How do you know when you’ve moved out of DIY territory and need help from a professional?

Call immediately if:

✔ More than one drain is affected: Chances are the clog is in the main sewer line, not a local pipe. No home tool can reach or clear that safely.

✔ Sewage is backing up: Even a small amount of wastewater backing into a tub, toilet, or floor drain means pressure is building. Every minute you wait increases the risk of a major backup.

✔ You already tried snaking: A temporary “fix” almost always means roots, pipe damage, or a blockage deeper in the line. DIY snakes just skim the surface.

✔ You notice sewage smells indoors or outside: This usually means the clog has become severe enough to push gases back toward the house, or the line is cracked underground.

✔ You suspect tree roots: Roots are not a DIY issue. Clearing them safely requires commercial augers or hydro-jetting equipment.

Sewer Line Trouble? We’ve Got You.

Clogs in the main line aren’t something to fight alone. Stephens Plumbing will find the blockage, clear it fast, and make sure everything is flowing the way it should. Contact us today for expert sewer line service.