You’d be surprised how many homeowners ignore slow drains or weird smells—until they’re staring at a flooded bathroom or a cracked foundation. A sewer line leak doesn’t start with a big mess. It creeps in through tiny cracks or clogs, and before you know it, you’re dealing with water damage, mold, health risks, and skyrocketing repair bills. 

If you’ve noticed foul odors, soggy spots in the yard, or strange plumbing behavior, it’s time to pay attention. Knowing the signs of a sewer pipe leaking early can save your home and your wallet from disaster.

5 Common Signs of a Sewer Line Leak

If you live in Arizona, your home’s sewer system is dealing with more than just normal wear and tear. We’ve got dry weather, unstable desert soil, and aging infrastructure working against us. According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, sewer infrastructure problems make up a big chunk of reported wastewater leaks every year. That means the risk is real, and you’ve got to know what to look for before small issues turn into big, expensive ones.

Here are five signs that your sewer line leak might already be happening underground:

Slow Drains: A Warning Your Sewer Line is Clogging Up

Are multiple drains in your home acting sluggish? If your shower, sink, and toilet all seem slow to drain, that’s not just bad luck—it’s a red flag. One clogged drain? Maybe it’s hair or food. But if the whole house is affected, your sewer main leak might be the cause.

Left untreated, slow drains can snowball into full-blown blockages or even cause your pipe to burst. Don’t wait for the worst.

That Bad Odor Isn’t Normal – It’s a Sign of a Sewer Pipe Leaking

Catch a whiff of rotten eggs or sewage inside or outside your home? That’s not something to brush off. Sewer gas contains hydrogen sulfide, which is not only smelly—it’s dangerous.

Persistent bad smells could mean there’s a crack in your sewer line letting gases leak out. That’s a major sign it’s time to call in the pros.

Puddles in Yard or Soggy Lawn? You May Have a Sewer Main Leak

Seeing puddles when there hasn’t been any rain? Or maybe some areas of your lawn are mysteriously greener than others? A sewer main leak can saturate the soil and cause water to pool.

This is especially common in Arizona, where grass struggles to thrive. If you’ve got swampy patches on a dry day, your underground pipes might be to blame.

Foundation Cracks and Sinkholes: A Hidden Danger of Sewer Leaks

Leaking sewer lines under your home can slowly erode the soil that supports your foundation. Over time, that can lead to cracks in the slab—or worse, sinkholes.

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), sewer issues are one of the top causes of foundation damage in homes. If your floors are uneven or your walls are cracking, don’t ignore it—it could be a sign of a sewer line leak.

Mold & Mildew Growth from Sewer Leaks: A Silent Health Hazard

That musty smell or recurring mildew on your walls might not just be humidity. Sewer leaks can introduce excess moisture into your home, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Mold can lead to serious health issues, especially for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. If you’re seeing signs of dampness in unexpected places, it’s worth getting your plumbing checked out.

What to Do If You Have a Sewer Leak?

You don’t have to wait for a full-blown emergency to take action. A little prevention goes a long way—and can keep your home out of trouble for decades. Here’s how you can cut down the risk of a sewer line leak:

• Install root barriers if you’ve got trees near your sewer lines—especially aggressive Arizona varieties.
• Stop flushing anything but toilet paper. That includes “flushable” wipes, grease, feminine products, and paper towels.
• Add a cleanout port if your home doesn’t have one—it’ll save time and money on future inspections.
• Pay attention to bubbling toilets or strange sounds coming from your drains.
• Watch your water bill. Spikes can mean water is leaking underground.
• Use enzyme-based drain cleaners monthly—they’re safer for your pipes and help prevent buildup.
• Schedule annual sewer line inspections, especially if your home is 20+ years old.

You can also check out our full guide on preventing sewer line damage for even more tips. The Water Environment Federation says regular maintenance can extend your sewer system’s life by 25–30 years. That’s decades of peace of mind for a bit of proactive care.

When You Need Professional Sewer Line Repairs?

Some problems are just too big for a plunger or DIY fix. Here are signs it’s time to call the experts:

• Persistent slow drains all over the house
• Gurgling noises from drains or toilets
• Sewage smells inside or outside
• Water damage near your foundation
• Soggy lawn or new sinkholes
• Sewage is backing up into the house

Licensed plumbers use specialized tools like hydro jetting, sewer camera inspections, and trenchless repair methods to find and fix the problem fast, without destroying your landscaping or floors.

Waiting only makes things worse—more damage, higher costs, and possible legal issues with local codes if sewage is leaking into the environment. If you’re seeing any of these signs, don’t wait it out. Get professional help, fix the issue, and protect your home.

Contact Pros for Fast Repairs and Durable Sewer Line Replacement

At Fiscor Plumbing and Air, we’ve got your back. From trenchless sewer line replacement to emergency sewer line repair, our certified team is ready to help.

We offer:

• Sewer camera inspections
• Hydro jetting
• Leak detection
• Trenchless replacements
• Ongoing maintenance services

With decades of experience, fair pricing, and a track record of happy customers, we’re proud to be Arizona’s trusted choice. Ready to fix your plumbing for good? Book a consultation today and let’s get your home back to normal—fast.