Your sewer line is one of the most essential parts of your home’s plumbing system, yet it’s also one of the most neglected. Hidden underground, it carries wastewater away from your home every day without much thought – until something goes wrong, that is.
Sewer line problems are more than an inconvenience. They’re messy, expensive, and potentially hazardous to your health. A backed-up sewer can flood your home with raw sewage, damage your foundation, and create unsanitary conditions that require professional cleanup.
The good news is that most sewer line problems are preventable. With regular maintenance, smart habits, and professional inspections, you can avoid backups, extend the life of your system, and protect your property from costly damage.
At Trumbull Plumbing, we help California homeowners keep their sewer lines flowing smoothly. From routine inspections to emergency repairs, we provide the expertise and service you need to maintain a healthy plumbing system.
Why Homeowners Should Care About Sewer Line Maintenance
Prevent health hazards
Sewage backups expose your family to dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Raw sewage contains pathogens that cause serious illnesses. When sewage floods your home, it contaminates floors, walls, and belongings, creating a health emergency that demands immediate professional remediation.
Avoid expensive emergency repairs
Emergency sewer repairs are among the costliest plumbing problems homeowners face. Excavating and replacing a damaged sewer line can cost thousands of dollars. Regular maintenance catches small issues before they turn into expensive emergencies.
Protect landscaping and foundation
A leaking sewer line structure saturates the soil around your home. This can damage your foundation, kill grass and plants, and create sinkholes in your yard. Water pooling near your foundation can seep into basements and cause structural problems.
Maintain property value
Sewer line problems scare off buyers and lower your home’s value. When selling your home, buyers will order inspections that reveal sewer issues. Documented maintenance and repairs show buyers that your plumbing system is well cared for, making your home more attractive and valuable.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Problems
Tree roots invading pipes
Tree roots are the leading cause of sewer line damage. Roots naturally grow toward moisture, and sewer lines provide a constant water source. Tiny roots enter through the small cracks of joints, then expand and fill the pipe. As roots grow, they crack pipes, create blockages, and eventually destroy the line.
Trees planted too close to sewer lines cause the most problems. Even trees planted decades ago by previous owners can threaten your sewer system today.
Aging or corroded pipes
Older homes often have cast-iron or clay sewer pipes that deteriorate over time. Cast iron corrodes from the inside out, creating rough surfaces that catch debris and encourage clogs. Clay pipes crack and separate at the joints, allowing soil and roots to enter.
Most sewer lines last 500 to 100 years, depending on material and soil conditions. If your home is older, your sewer line may be nearing the end of its useful life.
Improper installation or repairs
Sewer lines must be installed at the correct slope to drain correctly. Pipes that are too flat allow waste to settle and create clogs. Pipes that are too steep create excessive water flow, leaving solids behind.
Poor repairs, misaligned joints, or substandard materials also cause problems. DIY repairs or work by unlicensed contractors often fail and create bigger issues down the road.
Blockages from grease, debris, or foreign objects
What goes down your drains affects your sewer line. Grease, cooking oil, coffee grounds, and food scraps accumulate in pipes over time. So-called “flushable” wipes don’t break down and cause clogs. Flushing paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or other foreign objects creates immediate blockages. Even excessive toilet paper can clog older or compromised sewer lines.
Shifting soil or heavy construction
California’s soil shifts due to earthquakes, settling, and seasonal changes in moisture. These movements can crack or misalign sewer pipes. Heavy construction nearby, such as adding a driveway or building an addition, can damage underground pipes if contractors aren’t careful.
Signs Your Sewer Line May Be Failing
Slow drains or frequent clogs
If multiple drains in your home are slow or clogged at the same time, the problem is likely in your main sewer line, not individual fixtures. This is especially true if plunging or using drain cleaner doesn’t help.
Foul odors
Sewer gas smells like rotten eggs. If you notice this odor coming from drains, toilets, or your yard, sewage isn’t flowing properly. Cracks in the sewer line allow gases to escape, posing a health hazard.
Water pooling in the yard
Unexplained wet spots in your yard, especially near where the sewer line runs, indicate a leak. The ground may feel spongy, and grass may grow unusually green or die completely. You might also notice sinkholes or settling soil.
Gurgling sounds
When air is trapped in the sewer line, it creates gurgling noises when you flush toilets, run water, or drain sinks. This usually means a partial blockage is preventing proper venting.
Unexplained water bill increases
A leaking sewer line doesn’t always show obvious signs above ground. If your water bill suddenly increases without explanation, a hidden leak may be the cause.
Preventative Maintenance Tips for California Homes
Schedule regular inspections
Professional sewer line inspections use specialized cameras to look inside your pipes. These cameras detect cracks, blockages, root intrusion, and deterioration before they cause major problems. We recommend inspections every few years, or more often for older homes.
Avoid flushing non-degradable items
Only human waste and toilet paper belong in your sewer system. Never flush wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, feminine products, cotton swabs, dental floss, or other items. These don’t break down and cause clogs.
Manage grease properly
Never pour grease, cooking oil, or fat down your drains. These substances solidify inside pipes and accumulate over time. Instead, pour grease into a container and throw it in the trash once it cools.
Install root barriers
If you have trees near your sewer line, consider installing root barriers. These physical barriers guide roots away from pipes. You can also treat sewer lines with root-killing foam that prevents roots from entering without harming the tree.
Keep landscaping away from sewer lines
When planting trees and shrubs, keep them at least 10 feet away from sewer lines. Large trees like willows, poplars, and maples have aggressive root systems and should be planted even farther away.
Professional cleaning or hydro-jetting
Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away buildup, roots, and debris from inside your sewer line. This preventive cleaning removes accumulations before they cause clogs, extending the life of your pipes. We recommend hydro-jetting every few years for most homes.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
Safe DIY practices
You can handle minor drain issues yourself using a plunger or a hand-crank drain snake for individual fixtures. Regular cleaning of sink strainers and avoiding problem materials helps prevent clogs.
That said, sidestep chemical drain cleaners. These products damage pipes, especially older ones, and create hazardous fumes. They rarely solve sewer line problems and often make them worse.
When to call a professional
Call Trumbull Plumbing if you experience:
- Multiple slow drains or backups throughout your home.
- Recurring clogs that return after clearing.
- Foul sewer odors inside or outside your home.
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains.
- Water pooling in your yard.
- Concerns about old or damaged pipes.
These symptoms indicate problems beyond DIY solutions and require professional diagnosis and repair.
Benefits of professional services
Professional plumbers use camera inspections to see precisely what’s wrong with your sewer line. We can locate blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and other issues without guesswork or unnecessary digging.
Our hydro-jetting equipment clears blockages more effectively and safely than chemical cleaners. We also offer trenchless repair methods that fix sewer lines without tearing up your entire yard.
Why Work with Trumbull Plumbing
Expertise in California sewer systems
We understand California’s unique challenges: expansive soil, seismic activity, aging infrastructure, and strict environmental regulations. Our licensed plumbers know how to diagnose and repair sewer problems while meeting all state and local codes.
Professional camera inspections
Our high-definition sewer cameras provide clear images of your pipe’s interior. We’ll show you exactly what’s happening inside your sewer line and explain your options. Camera inspections pinpoint problems, reducing excavation and repair costs.
Preventative solutions
We don’t just fix problems. We can also help you prevent them. Our maintenance service includes regular inspections, hydro-jetting, root treatment, and advice on protecting your sewer line from future damage.
Licensed and experienced team
Our plumbers have the training, tools, and experience to handle any sewer line issue, from routine cleaning to emergency repairs and full replacements. We offer both emergency services and scheduled maintenance to fit your needs.
Customer-first service
We explain your options clearly, provide upfront pricing, and respect your property. Our goal is to solve your sewer problems permanently while minimizing disruption to your home and yard.
Protect Your Home from Sewer Problems
Your sewer line works hard every day, and regular maintenance keeps it functioning properly. Early detection and preventative care save you thousands of dollars in emergency repairs and protect your home from water damage and health hazards.
Don’t wait for a sewage backup to think about your sewer line. Schedule regular inspections, practice smart habits, and work with professionals who understand California’s unique plumbing challenges.
At Trumbull Plumbing, we provide the expertise and service that Orange County homeowners trust. From camera inspections to hydro-jetting and repairs, we keep your sewer line flowing smoothly.Call Trumbull Plumbing today at (949) 466-8617 to schedule a sewer line inspection or maintenance service. Protect your California home from costly sewer problems before they start.