A clogged sewer line is one of the most serious plumbing problems a homeowner can face. Unlike a simple clogged drain, a sewer line issue can affect every plumbing fixture in your house—and if left unchecked, it can lead to expensive repairs and health hazards.

If you’re worried about slow drains, strange smells, or backups in your home in Trois-Rivières, Plomberie Trois Rivières offers fast, professional sewer line inspections and repairs to diagnose and fix the problem before it gets worse.

Here are the top signs that your sewer line might be clogged—and what you should do about it.

1. Multiple Drains Are Backing Up

If one sink or tub drains slowly, it might be a localized clog. But if multiple drains—especially on the lower levels of your home—are backing up at the same time, it often points to a sewer line issue.

Common examples include:

• Toilets that overflow when you run the sink
• Water backing up into the tub when the washing machine drains
• Gurgling sounds from multiple fixtures

2. Strange Sounds from Plumbing Fixtures

Gurgling noises in sinks, tubs, or toilets when you flush or drain water could indicate trapped air caused by a blockage deeper in your plumbing system.

If you hear bubbling or gurgling regularly, it’s a strong warning sign that your sewer line may be clogged.

3. Slow Drainage Throughout the Home

When more than one drain slows down at once, it often means a problem further down the line. Unlike a single clog that affects one fixture, a clogged sewer line impacts the entire system.

Slow drainage everywhere is a key signal you should never ignore.

4. Unpleasant Sewage Odors

Foul odors coming from your drains or around your property could indicate that wastewater isn’t flowing properly due to a clog. If you smell sewage in your home or yard, it’s a sign of a serious problem that needs immediate attention.

Bad smells mean that dangerous gases or untreated waste could be backing up inside your system.

5. Sewage Backup in Toilets or Tubs

The most alarming sign of a sewer line clog is raw sewage backing up into toilets, bathtubs, or floor drains. This poses significant health risks and demands urgent professional service.

Never try to clean up sewage backups yourself without proper protection—always call a professional plumber.

6. Changes in Your Lawn or Landscaping

If you notice patches of unusually green grass, wet spots, or sinkholes in your yard, it could be a sign that your sewer line is leaking underground. A clogged or broken sewer line can saturate the soil, leading to visible changes on the surface.

7. Frequent Drain Clogs or Toilet Issues

If you’re constantly plunging toilets or using drain cleaners and the problems keep returning, the issue may not be with individual pipes—it could be a sewer line obstruction causing repeated backups.

Persistent clogs despite normal usage are a major red flag.

Common Causes of Sewer Line Clogs

• Tree root intrusion (especially in older homes)
• Flushing non-flushable items (wipes, paper towels, feminine products)
• Grease buildup from kitchen waste
• Collapsed or broken pipes (due to age or soil movement)

What to Do If You Suspect a Sewer Line Clog

At Plomberie Trois Rivières, we use specialized tools like video camera inspections and hydro jetting to diagnose and clear sewer line clogs safely and efficiently.

Schedule your sewer line inspection today to prevent major damage and costly repairs.

Ignoring the problem only makes it worse—early detection is key to saving your home and wallet.

Final Thoughts: Act Quickly to Protect Your Home

A clogged sewer line isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a plumbing emergency that can quickly escalate. Recognizing the warning signs early and calling a professional plumber can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and protect your home from serious damage.

If you notice any of the signs above, contact Plombier Québec immediately. Book your service now and get the expert help you need to keep your home safe and your plumbing flowing properly.