Here are some common sewage line problems:

• Broken, cracked, offset or collapsed pipes – damaged pipes due to shifting soil, frozen ground, settling, etc.
• Blocked pipes – grease buildup or a foreign object is restricting or prohibiting proper flow and/or cleaning of the line.
• Corroded pipes – the pipe has deteriorated and/or broken, causing collapses in the line and restricting flow.
• Bellied pipes – a section of the pipe has sunk due to ground or soil conditions, creating a valley that collects waste.
• Leaking joints – seals between pipes have broken, allowing water to escape into the area surrounding the pipe.
• Root penetration – tree or shrub roots have invaded the sewer line, preventing normal cleaning and/or have damaged the line.

How can you tell whether or not your main sewer line is truly backed up? Three major signs of this problem are:

1. A foul stench coming from the drains
2. Slow draining bathtubs or laundry lines
3. If the use of other fixtures associated with your main line, such as a dishwasher or garbage disposer, lead to water backup in toilets or showers.