How do I know if my sewer line is damaged?

Warning signs of a damaged sewer line include frequent or multiple-drain backups, gurgling sounds from toilets, sewage odors indoors or in the yard, unusually lush or sunken patches of lawn over the line, and slow drains throughout the house. A camera inspection confirms the exact problem and its location.

Older homes with clay or Orangeburg pipe are especially prone to root intrusion and collapse, since those materials deteriorate and their joints invite roots. Once roots or cracks are in the line, the backups tend to return until the pipe itself is repaired.

The key advantage of a camera inspection is that it tells you whether you need a simple cleaning, a spot repair, or a full replacement — so you're not paying for more than the pipe actually needs.