How to Find Your Sewer Line

All the drains in your home lead to one main sewer line, which goes into the municipal system or to your septic tank system. Knowing the location of your sewer line is crucial, especially when issues arise involving clogs, backups or breaks. Learn how to find the main sewer line in your house and yard to properly mark your sewer access points for future sewer line repair and replacement services.

For emergency sewer line issues, call Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing for 24/7 emergency services.

How to Find the Main Sewer Line in Your House

To locate your indoor sewer cleanout point, you will have to do some searching. It can typically be found in the basement, crawl space or garage. You will want to search for a pipe that is approximately four inches in diameter with a screw cap on the top that has a notch or square knob at the top.

Note that some homes have an indoor sewer cleanout point, while others may be located outdoors. It is also possible to not have one in your home at all.

How to Find the Sewer Line in Your Yard

If you can’t find the main sewer line in your house, chances are it is in your yard. Sewer line access points outside of the home can typically be located at the foundation of the house or near the street where the sewer line joins up with the municipal sewer main.

Most of the time, the sewer line will be sticking out of the ground and easy to spot; however, overgrown landscaping or objects close to the house could hide the cap. Or, you could have a buried sewer cleanout. Try searching on the side of the home that is closest to the main floor bathroom.

Still Can’t Figure Out How to Find Your Sewer Line?

There are three courses of action to take if you can’t find the sewer line in your house or yard:

1. Contact the Previous Homeowner
   If you still speak with the previous homeowner or have their contact information, it is worth asking if they were able to locate the sewer line when they lived in the house.
2. Call City Maintenance or Visit Your Local City Hall
   Local municipalities often have sewage and property maps that can help you locate the sewer line on your property.
3. Call a Plumbing Professional
   A way to save time and effort is by calling in a plumbing expert. Not only can they locate your sewer line, but they can also provide sewer line repair and replacement services.

How Can I Tell if My Sewer Drain Is Clogged?

One of the many reasons you may be trying to locate your sewer line right now is to find out if you have a clog in your pipes. Here are some examples of what you may experience if your sewer drain is clogged:

• Slow running drains that may seem clogged.
• Typical unclogging methods or fixes aren’t working.
• Multiple plumbing backups (sink, shower, toilet, etc.).
• Backups occurring after flushing the toilet (shower drain or tub).
• Backup or overflowing when the washing machine drains.
• Gurgling and bubbling coming from a drain or toilet; note that this could also be a sign of a blocked vent pipe.

Find Sewer Line Services Near Me

Whether you are searching for sewer line repair and replacement services or plumbing inspection and diagnosis, your Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to support you with quality services and upfront pricing. Call us or contact your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing online to get started.