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Why Do I Have a Clogged Sewer Line?

If you've ever dealt with backed-up plumbing fixtures or a slow-draining sink, then you know how messy a clogged sewer line can be.

May 05, 2026
Why Do I Have a Clogged Sewer Line?

If you’ve ever dealt with backed-up plumbing fixtures or a slow-draining sink, then you know how messy a clogged sewer line can be. A clogged sewer line can be a nightmare if not addressed in a timely manner.

Common Causes of a Clogged Sewer Line and How to Prevent It

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

Why Do I Have a Clogged Sewer Line?

In this article, we will walk you through the main causes of a clogged sewer line and what you can do to keep your sewer line clear. We will also highlight the symptoms of a clogged sewer line to help you take prompt action.

  • Flushing Inappropriate Items

This is perhaps the most common culprit behind a clogged sewer line. Non-flushable items such as baby wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and condoms do not break down like tissue paper does. When you flush these items down the toilet, they can get caught in the pipes, accumulate over time, and create blockages. To avoid these issues, it's best to dispose of non-flushable items properly in the trash.

  • Pipe Damage

A broken or damaged sewer line may cause a blockage and impede proper wastewater flow. A sewer line can sustain damage from construction work, extreme temperature fluctuations, soil settlement, and more. It’s advisable to inspect your sewer lines regularly to ensure they are in good condition. If you have construction work planned on your property, communicate the location of your underground pipes and plumbing systems to the contractors. Make sure they are aware of the potential risks associated with digging or excavation near those areas.

  • Tree Roots

Tree roots naturally grow toward sources of water in the soil. If you have trees near your sewer lines, the roots may infiltrate the pipes through tiny cracks or loose joints, causing a sewer line clog. Older sewer lines are more susceptible to tree root damage. To minimize the risk of tree root intrusion, it’s advisable to keep trees at least 10 feet away from your sewer lines. Also, when planting trees on your property, consider their potential growth and root spread.

  • Fats, Oil, and Grease

Fats, oil, and grease in liquid form may appear harmless since it flows easily down the drain. However, as the liquid cools, it congeals and hardens, thereby causing sewer line clogs. The ideal way to dispose of fats, oil and grease is to pour the liquid into a heat-resistant container and let it cool down and solidify. Thereafter, throw it in the trash bin.

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

  • Multiple fixtures are draining slowly
  • Bubbling or gurgling noise from the toilets and bathtubs
  • Pools of water in your lawn when it hasn’t rained or snowed recently
  • Backed-up plumbing fixtures
  • Offensive odors coming from your drains

Trust the Team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line Repair

If you’ve noticed signs of a clogged sewer line and are looking for an experienced plumber to help you with drain cleaning or sewer line repair, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are a reputable plumbing service that you can trust to perform an accurate diagnosis of the problem and provide you with a reliable solution.

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