When To Replace A Sewer Line: A Homeowner’s Guide
Your sewer line is one of the most important systems in your home, yet it is also one of the easiest to forget about. It works underground every day, carrying wastewater away from toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances. Because it is out of sight, many homeowners do not think about it until something goes wrong. Knowing when to replace a sewer line can help you avoid expensive damage, stressful emergencies, and major disruptions to your home.
At Colorado Excavating, we help homeowners across Colorado understand what sewer line issues look like, what causes them, and how to take action at the right time. If you have been wondering when to replace a sewer line, this guide will help you spot the warning signs and make a confident decision.
Why Sewer Line Problems Should Never Be Ignored
A sewer line is the main pipe that connects your home’s plumbing to the municipal sewer system. When it starts to fail, it can affect your entire house. Sewer issues often lead to slow drains, backups, odors, and even yard damage. In severe cases, a broken line can cause sewage to enter your home or leak into the soil around your property.
Ignoring these problems rarely makes them go away. In fact, waiting too long often leads to bigger repairs and higher costs. That is why understanding when to replace a sewer line is so important for protecting your home, health, and long-term property value.
How Long Does A Sewer Line Last?
The lifespan of a sewer line depends on the pipe material, the age of the home, soil conditions, and outside pressure on the line. Older Colorado homes may have clay, cast iron, or other outdated materials that are more likely to crack or collapse over time. Modern sewer lines are often built with durable materials designed to resist corrosion and shifting soil, but even newer pipes can develop issues under the right conditions.
If your home is older and you have never replaced the main line, it is worth learning when to replace a sewer line before problems become urgent.

Common Signs It May Be Time For Sewer Line Replacement
Homeowners often ask what the clearest warning signs are. Below are some of the most common indicators that can help you determine when to replace a sewer line.
1. Frequent sewage backups
If wastewater backs up into toilets, tubs, or floor drains more than once, that is a major red flag. Occasional clogs happen, but recurring backups often point to damage or blockage in the main sewer line. If backups keep returning, it may be time to decide when to replace a sewer line rather than repeatedly paying for temporary fixes.
2. Multiple slow drains throughout the home
One slow sink may be a simple clog. But if every drain is slow at the same time, that often signals a restriction in the main sewer line. This is a classic clue that the pipe is no longer flowing as it should, especially if the issue persists after basic drain clearing.
Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
Gurgling noises usually mean trapped air is being forced through the plumbing. This can happen when wastewater cannot flow freely due to blockages, root intrusion, or pipe damage. If you hear frequent gurgling paired with slow drains or backups, treat it as a strong warning sign.
Sewer odors inside or outside
A strong sewer smell in the basement, bathrooms, or yard should never be ignored. Odors may indicate cracks, leaks, or broken sections of pipe. If sewer smells persist, they often point to when to replace a sewer line because the system is no longer sealed the way it should be.
3. Wet spots or unusually green patches in the yard
A sewer line leak can create soggy soil, pooling water, or areas of grass that look extra healthy because wastewater acts like fertilizer. These symptoms often show up along the route of the buried line. Many homeowners start asking when to replace a sewer line after noticing changes in their yard that do not match normal irrigation or weather patterns.
4. Tree root intrusion
Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and sewer lines can be an easy target. Roots can enter through small cracks and eventually cause major blockages or breaks. If you have repeated root problems, ongoing cutting and cleaning may not be a permanent solution, especially with older pipe materials.
5. Repeat repairs that do not last
If you are paying for frequent drain cleanings, repairs, or emergency service calls, replacement may be the more cost-effective solution. A good rule of thumb is to compare the cost of repeated repairs against the value of a long-term fix, particularly if the pipe is older or shows multiple weak points.
What Causes Sewer Lines To Fail?
Common causes include aging materials, shifting soil, freeze and thaw cycles, heavy vehicle traffic above the line, corrosion, and poor installation from decades ago. Even small cracks can expand over time, especially when roots and ground movement add pressure. In Colorado, seasonal ground changes can be hard on underground infrastructure, which is why early detection matters.
How Colorado Excavating Helps You Make The Right Call
The most reliable way to confirm when to replace a sewer line is with a professional sewer camera inspection. This allows the team at Colorado Excavating to see what is happening inside the pipe and identify cracks, collapses, root intrusion, misaligned joints, or sagging sections. From there, we can recommend the best solution for your property and your budget, based on what the line actually looks like.
A Smarter Way To Protect Your Home
If you are seeing slow drains, backups, odors, or yard changes, do not wait for a complete failure. Knowing when to replace a sewer line gives you the chance to act early, reduce damage, and avoid unnecessary stress. Colorado Excavating is here to help you understand when to replace a sewer line and take the next step with confidence.














