Updated: January 15, 2026
A broken sewer pipe is one of those home problems that rarely starts loud—but it can become serious fast. Strange smells, slow drains, or soggy patches in the yard often show up long before a full sewer backup happens. Knowing the early warning signs can help you take action before repairs become more disruptive and expensive.
Below are 12 common signs of a damaged or broken sewer pipe, what they usually mean, and why they shouldn’t be ignored.
What Is a Broken Sewer Pipe?
A broken sewer pipe is a damaged section of the main line that carries wastewater away from your home. Cracks, collapses, corrosion, shifting soil, and tree roots can all interfere with proper flow. When that happens, waste can back up into your home or leak into the surrounding ground, creating health risks and structural damage.
Common Signs of a Broken Sewer Pipe Inside the Home
1. Slow Drains Throughout the House
When multiple sinks, tubs, or showers drain slowly at the same time, the problem is often deeper than a single clog. A damaged sewer pipe can restrict flow for the entire system, causing widespread drainage issues.
2. Frequent or Recurring Drain Backups
If drains keep backing up even after being cleared, it may indicate a crack, collapse, or obstruction in the sewer line. Repeated backups are a strong sign the issue isn’t just inside the house.
3. Gurgling Sounds from Toilets or Drains
Gurgling noises happen when air gets trapped in the plumbing system. A broken sewer pipe can disrupt normal airflow, causing toilets or drains to bubble or make unusual sounds when water is used elsewhere.
4. Sewage Smells Indoors
Persistent sewer odors inside the home often mean wastewater isn’t staying sealed inside the pipe. Cracks or separated joints can allow sewer gas to escape, which is both unpleasant and unsafe.
5. Toilets That Are Hard to Flush
If toilets require extra force to flush or don’t clear properly, it can point to resistance in the main sewer line. This is especially concerning when more than one toilet is affected.
6. Water Backing Up into Tubs or Showers
Seeing wastewater come up through a tub or shower drain is a major red flag. This typically happens when the sewer line can’t move waste away fast enough due to damage or blockage.
Outdoor Signs of a Broken Sewer Line
7. Unusually Lush or Fast-Growing Patches of Grass
Sewer leaks can act like fertilizer. If one area of your yard is suddenly greener or growing faster than the rest, it may be absorbing wastewater from a cracked sewer pipe underground.
8. Persistent Wet or Soggy Areas in the Yard
Standing water or soft ground without a clear cause can signal a leaking sewer line. Over time, this moisture can lead to erosion or damage to nearby structures.
9. Foul Odors Outside the Home
Sewer smells near the foundation, yard, or driveway can indicate a break in the underground line. These odors often become stronger after using plumbing fixtures inside.
10. Sinkholes or Sunken Areas
When a sewer pipe breaks, leaking water can wash away surrounding soil. This may cause dips, sinkholes, or uneven ground above the damaged section.
Warning Signs That Mean Immediate Repair Is Needed
11. Foundation Cracks or Structural Shifting
Long-term sewer leaks can weaken the soil supporting your home. Cracks in the foundation or unexplained settling may be linked to an underground sewer issue.
12. Rodents or Insects Near Plumbing Areas
Broken sewer pipes can attract pests looking for water and waste. Increased rodent or insect activity near drains, basements, or crawl spaces may point to a hidden sewer line problem.
How Broken Sewer Pipes Are Repaired
Repair options depend on the location and severity of the damage.
- Traditional excavation may be necessary when pipes are collapsed or severely damaged. This involves digging to access and replace the affected section.
- Trenchless sewer repair is often possible when pipes are cracked or leaking but still structurally intact. This method repairs the pipe from the inside with minimal disruption to landscaping or hardscaping.
A professional inspection, often using a sewer camera, determines which option makes sense for your home.
When to Take Action
If you’re noticing one or more of these signs, it doesn’t always mean the worst—but it does mean it’s time to get clear answers. For Denver-area homeowners, Done! has been helping diagnose and repair sewer line issues since 1999. When repairs are needed, working with a licensed professional who stands behind their work can help you understand your options and avoid bigger problems down the road.
