From Gurgles to Green Patches: When to Look Inside Your Sewer Line

Picture this: it’s Saturday morning, you’re sipping coffee, and the hall bath lets out a little gurgle. A few hours later, the kitchen sink drains like it’s half asleep. By evening, there’s a whiff of sewer smell near the basement floor drain. Those little moments add up. They’re often your main sewer line tapping you on the shoulder, asking for a sewer camera inspection before a full sewer backup turns your weekend into a cleanup.

Early clues to watch for

Start with the pattern. One slow sink is a clog. Slow drains throughout the house point to the main line. Toilets that bubble when the shower is running or the dishwasher finishes are classic “air in the line” symptoms. So is water backing up at the lowest drain in the home, usually a basement or utility drain. Outside, extra lush stripes of grass or a soft, soggy spot after dry weather can hint at a leak, tree roots in the sewer line, or a cracked or collapsed pipe.

Smells matter too. A faint, rotten-egg odor near a floor drain or cleanout can be a sign of a venting issue or seepage in the sewer line. Hear a random gurgle when no water is running? That’s your line struggling to breathe. These are the moments to listen closely instead of pouring in another bottle of drain cleaner.

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What a camera inspection actually shows

Think of a camera inspection like an X-ray for your plumbing. It’s perfect when clogs keep returning even after snaking. It’s smart before buying a house, especially if big trees line the street or the home is more than 25 years old. And it’s essential after a sewer backup to confirm the line is truly clear and not one storm away from failing again. If you’re planning a remodel that will add bathrooms or a finished basement, a quick look now can prevent a big surprise later.

Moments when scheduling pays off

Schedule a sewer camera inspection if:
• Several fixtures are slow or gurgling at the same time.
• You notice sewer odors or a damp, sunken area in the yard.
• Roots or heavy buildup were found during snaking.
• You’re buying an older home or adding plumbing fixtures.

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Quick homeowner checks before you call

First, note whether the issue is whole-home or single-fixture. Whole-home points to the main line; single-fixture is usually local. Second, find your cleanout (often a capped pipe near the foundation or in a basement). Don’t remove the cap if you suspect the line is full—backups can release pressure fast—just note its location for the plumber. Third, keep a simple log: when you hear gurgles, which drains are slow, and any smells. This helps us diagnose faster and saves you time.

One more tip: skip harsh chemical drain cleaners. They rarely fix main-line problems and can damage older pipes. If you’re on a septic system, chemicals can also upset the tank’s balance.

Why call a pro for this

At Roto-Rooter Delmarva, we use self-leveling HD cameras and precision locators to map your line, record the video, and provide clear recommendations. If we spot roots, we can cut them out with the right equipment and discuss preventative treatments. If we find a broken or collapsed pipe, we’ll walk you through options, from sectional repairs to trenchless solutions when conditions allow. The goal is simple: accurate answers, a fair plan, and no surprises.

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The Bottom Line

Your home usually whispers before it shouts. A few slow drains, a gurgling toilet, or a suspicious sewer smell are friendly warnings to look inside the pipe, not just at the surface. A sewer line camera inspection turns mystery into a clear picture so you can fix the cause, not just the symptom.

If you need help or the problem is getting worse, don’t hesitate to contact Roto-Rooter Delmarva for an expert video inspection and straightforward solutions. We’re here to keep your home comfortable, clean, and worry-free.