If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a mental checklist of the “big ticket” systems in your house that get your attention. Air conditioning? You change the filter and get it serviced before summer hits. Electrical panel? You keep it in mind for safety and updates. Even the water heater gets a little love when it starts making noise.

But your sewer line? It doesn’t get nearly the same appreciation. It’s out of sight, underground, and rarely thought about until there’s a problem. Yet, your sewer line is just as important as those other systems. It’s the hidden highway carrying wastewater away from your home, and when it fails, the mess, expense, and disruption can be massive.

Knowing the warning signs you need a sewer line replacement can save you from dealing with a disaster in your basement, bathroom, or yard.

1. Frequent Clogs and Slow Drains

A clog every once in a while is not unusual. Hair in the shower drain or too much toilet paper can be cleared with a plunger or drain cleaner. But if you are constantly dealing with slow drains across your home, such as sinks, showers, toilets, and even the bathtub, there could be a more substantial problem with your main sewer line.

Instead of just one fixture being affected, multiple drains slowing down is one of the biggest warning signs you need a sewer line replacement. Debris, corrosion, or even tree root invasion could be partially blocking your pipes.

If you’re in the area, you can schedule a sewer camera inspection in Chicago with A&J Sewer Service. We’ll pinpoint the exact cause of the clog and help you address it before the issue escalates.

2. Unpleasant Odors Around Your Home or Yard

A sewer system in good condition should be airtight. That means you should not smell sewage inside or outside your home. If you start catching a whiff of sewer gas around your bathroom, basement, or even in your yard, it isn’t just unpleasant. It’s a clear sign that something is wrong.

This smell could mean cracks or leaks in your sewer line are allowing gas and wastewater to escape. Left untreated, sewer gas can be a health hazard and attract pests like rodents and insects. Out of all the signs it is time for sewer line replacement, a persistent odor is one that should never be ignored. If you have ruled out small plumbing issues like a dried-out sink trap, call A&J Sewer Service right away.

3. Lush Patches of Grass or Soggy Spots in the Yard

Most homeowners appreciate a green lawn, but if you notice certain patches are suddenly greener, thicker, or growing faster than the rest, it might not be a good thing. Extra-lush grass can be caused by leaking sewage acting as fertilizer.

This is one of the less obvious warning signs you need a sewer line replacement, but it matters. In severe cases, the leak can cause soggy patches, standing water, or even a flood if the pipe fully collapses.

Are you noticing this problem along with other signs it’s time for sewer line replacement? If so, it’s necessary to act quickly before the leak damages your foundation or attracts pests into your yard.

4. Unexplained Pests or Rodent Activity

Sewer lines can serve as hidden highways for pests. Cracked pipes can allow rodents and insects to travel directly into your home. This can be a serious sanitation and health concern.

Have you tried pest control, but the problem keeps returning? The source could be underground. Rodent activity, combined with foul odors or slow drains, may point toward a cracked sewer line. If you are wondering how to know if your sewer line needs to be replaced, this combination of issues is a big clue.

5. Age of Your Sewer System

Even if your sewer lines aren’t showing major problems, they don’t last forever. The material used, the type of soil around your home, and maintenance habits all affect how long a sewer line will last.

So, how often should sewer lines be replaced? Clay pipes usually last about 50 to 60 years. Cast iron can last closer to 75 years, but corrosion and soil conditions can shorten that lifespan. If your home is older and you are not sure when the sewer lines were last replaced, it may be worth having an inspection before you end up with a major leak.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to A&J Sewer Service for a sewer cleaning in Chicago. If your sewer lines are getting up there in age or you suspect they need a thorough cleanout, we can inspect them and let you know exactly what is going on. Our goal is to help you keep your system in good shape and avoid sudden breakdowns that can throw your whole household off track.

How to Know if Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced

Sometimes the signs are subtle. Maybe it is an occasional clog or a faint odor in the basement. Other times, the signs are impossible to miss, such as sewage backup in the toilet, water damage in the basement, or wastewater pooling in your yard.

If you are unsure how to know if your sewer line needs to be replaced, ask yourself:

• Are multiple drains in my home slow or clogged at the same time?
• Do I smell sewage in or around my home?
• Is my yard developing soggy spots or unusually green patches?
• Have I noticed pest or rodent activity without an obvious cause?
• Is my plumbing system more than 40 years old?

If you have said yes to more than one of these, it is time to call an expert for a full inspection.

What to Know When Your Sewer Pipe Cracks

A cracked sewer pipe is a structural and sanitation concern. What to know when your sewer pipe cracks is that leaks can:

• Damage your home’s foundation by softening the surrounding soil
• Allow pests, insects, and rodents to enter your home
• Lead to mold, mildew, and poor indoor air quality
• Cause backups in your kitchen, bathroom, and basement
• Create health risks from exposure to sewage and wastewater

Quick action is essential. Repairs like pipe bursting or complete sewer line replacement may be needed to restore proper drainage and protect your home.

Don’t Wait for an Emergency

Ignoring the warning signs you need a sewer line replacement can lead to much larger problems. A small crack can turn into a total pipe collapse, causing a sewage backup and major damage to your basement, yard, or foundation.

If you suspect a problem, don’t wait until it gets worse. Contact A&J Sewer Service today to schedule sewer services in Chicagoland! We are here to help you protect your home, your yard, and your peace of mind, one sewer line at a time.