Everything is fine until you've got a clogged sewer line!

All the water you use in your home, from the sink to the toilets to the shower drains, either leads to the sewer or to your septic tank. If that main line gets clogged, you likely have a problem larger than you can handle on your own. Though you may not be able to fix it yourself, it's important to be able to spot the signs of a clogged sewer line so you can hire a professional. If you let these issues slide for too long, they can turn into very costly inconveniences.

1. The Smell

If you can smell a funky odor coming from your sinks, showers, or toilets, you may have a clog in your main line. What you smell is the sewage sitting in your pipes. If your yard is flooded, you also might be able to smell it outside your home. Nobody wants a smelly home, and once you spot this issue, you should contact professionals for assistance.

2. A Flooded Yard

You know you have serious problems if it hasn't rained but your yard is flooded. This could be a problem with your septic tank or the sewer line. You'll likely smell the sewage before you see any water. Standing water should not be ignored as this can lead to foundational damage to your home, mosquitos, and other larger problems.

3. Multiple Drains Backing Up

Maybe the easiest way to tell if you have a problem is if multiple drains are backing up. If it's only one, you can probably assume it's unique to that drain and piping. More than one clogged drain is a cause for concern and a closer inspection. This is especially true if the problem persists and you notice a nasty smell. This sign is a very strong indicator of larger problems in your plumbing and can definitely not be ignored.

4. A Nice Green Yard

Unfortunately, if you notice your yard has been looking extra vibrant and rich in color, you may have deeper problems. Because your septic system runs deep underground through your yard, if there's a leak in the pipes, it can provide the grass with extra fertilizer. It's a more subtle side effect that you may overlook. If you do notice your yard is looking better than normal, pay attention to any other signs that indicate you may have a clog. This sign alone isn't enough to diagnose a mainline clog, but it can be a factor.

5. Water in Weird Places

A telltale sign you have a clog is when water backs up in your shower drain when you flush a toilet or use your washing machine. When your plumbing is running smoothly, the water is drained all the way through to the sewer or your septic tank. When you have mainline clogs, the water can be pushed back up into other drains around the house. If this is happening in your home, you'll want to call a professional immediately.

6. Slow Drains

If all of your drains are running slowly, this is another sign that your septic system could be in need of maintenance. This will typically only get worse, so if it doesn't resolve itself in a few days, then you need to call a professional. You can try to DIY with some drain cleaner, but these repairs can get very expensive very quickly, so don't hesitate for too long before calling. This is another one that's only really a cause for concern if every sink, shower, and toilet is acting sluggish. If it's only one, then your problem is likely isolated to that drain.

If you think you have a sewer line clog, you should get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. If you have a septic tank, you can call a septic system cleaner to visit your home and pump out your septic tank. According to Angi, you should get your sewer drain cleaned every two years at the minimum to help avoid clogs. A main line clog is nothing to scoff at. It's a problem that can become a major expense very quickly.

These signs should not be ignored. If you notice more than one in your home, consider reaching out to Reliable Septic & Services for a service you can trust.