8July 2025
If your drains are acting up, your yard smells like sewage, or your toilet makes strange gurgling sounds, it might be more than just a clogged pipe.
You could be facing a sewer line issue that needs immediate repair.
At Southside Plumbing, we know how stressful these problems can be—and how fast they can escalate. From backups and slow drains to potential foundation damage, a broken sewer line is nothing to ignore.
Here’s how to spot the warning signs early and what to do next.
🛑 Red Flags That Your Sewer Line Is in Trouble
- Multiple Drain Backups
- If more than one drain in your home is backing up at once—especially the lower-level ones like a basement toilet or shower—it’s often a sign of a main sewer line blockage.
- Slow Drains Throughout the House
- One slow sink might be a clog. But slow drains in multiple rooms usually mean a bigger issue further down the system.
- Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds
- If your toilet gurgles when you flush or your sink bubbles when draining, air is getting trapped—often by a blockage or broken pipe.
- Foul Odors Indoors or Outdoors
- A strong sewage smell coming from your drains, bathroom, or yard is a major red flag. This could mean sewage is leaking or backing up from a damaged line.
- Wet Patches or Sinkholes in the Yard
- A soggy, smelly, or sunken area in your yard—especially when it hasn’t rained—is often caused by a leaking sewer line.
🔗 See our full sewer repair and replacement services
⚠️ Common Causes of Sewer Line Failure
In the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, we often see sewer problems caused by:
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots can break into pipes and cause full blockages.
- Pipe Corrosion: Older cast iron or clay pipes deteriorate over time.
- Ground Shifting: Seasonal soil movement can crack or collapse lines.
- Grease & Debris Buildup: Years of waste can restrict flow or damage pipe walls.
- Flushing Non-Flushables: Wipes, hygiene products, and even “flushable” items can cause serious blockages.
🎥 How Southside Plumbing Diagnoses the Problem
We use advanced sewer camera inspections to get a clear look at what’s happening beneath your home—without digging up your yard right away. This live video feed helps us:
- Pinpoint the issue
- Determine the exact location and depth
- Decide whether a trenchless repair or full replacement is needed
Our licensed Omaha plumbers will walk you through the footage, explain your options clearly, and never upsell repairs you don’t need.
⏱️ Why You Should Act Fast
Ignoring sewer line problems can lead to:
- Major water damage
- Health hazards from raw sewage
- Mold growth
- Structural or foundation damage
- Soaring repair costs down the line
If something feels off with your drains or plumbing system, don’t wait. A fast response can save you thousands in repairs and protect your home’s value.
🔗 Having backups? Learn about our Emergency Plumbing Services
🌐 Serving the Omaha Metro Area
Southside Plumbing proudly serves Omaha, Council Bluffs, and nearby communities. Whether you need a simple cleanout, a trenchless sewer repair, or a full line replacement, we’re ready to help—fast.
We know sewer emergencies don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we.
🚨 Think something might be wrong with your sewer line? Call Southside Plumbing now to schedule a camera inspection and protect your home from costly damage.