Strange noises, bad smells, and slow-moving drains often point to bigger issues inside your sewer line. These early signs usually mean something’s blocking the flow—and if ignored, the problem can spread fast. Sewer drain cleaning doesn’t just help with drainage—it protects your home’s structure and keeps your indoor air safe.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Sewer Problems
Watch for these common red flags:
- Rotten egg smell indoors: A sulfur-like odor often means sewer gas is leaking into your home. You might notice it around drains, the basement, or even in main living areas.
- Gurgling noises from drains: When drains make bubbling or gurgling sounds, trapped air is usually the cause. That air gets stuck when something’s blocking the line or the system isn’t venting properly.
- Sinks and toilets draining slowly: When water takes longer to disappear, it usually means debris is narrowing the sewer line.
- Recurring plumbing backups: If clogs or toilet overflows keep happening, there’s likely a larger blockage in the main sewer line.
When these problems build up, sewage can back into your home. That brings property damage and serious health risks.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Issues
Many Spokane homeowners don’t realize how many different factors can lead to sewer trouble. While age plays a role, what goes down the drain—and what’s happening underground—can be just as important. At Mainstream, we’ve handled every kind of sewer failure out there, and pinpointing the cause is where real solutions begin.
Tree Root Infiltration
In areas like the Inland Northwest, tree roots are one of the biggest threats to sewer lines—especially when yards are full of older, mature trees.
- Roots grow toward moisture inside pipes: Sewer lines offer exactly what roots want—warmth, water, and nutrients. Even a tiny gap or crack in a pipe can draw roots in from far away.
- Spring weather triggers root growth: As snow melts and the soil starts drying out, trees send their roots out in search of water. Sewer lines become an easy target.
- What we’ve seen in Spokane: In one case, Douglas fir roots traveled nearly 100 feet underground to reach a cracked sewer pipe. Once inside, the roots grew fast, broke the pipe even more, and completely clogged the line—causing a full backup.
For homes with large trees nearby, scheduling sewer drain cleaning regularly can help stay ahead of root problems.
Damaged or Leaking Pipes
Sewer issues don’t always start inside the home. Often, they begin underground as materials wear out, soil shifts, or older systems start to fail.
- Older pipes break down at the joints: Many Spokane homes have clay or cast iron sewer pipes made in short sections. These joints aren’t always sealed tightly, and over time, they separate or collapse.
- Soil movement leads to misaligned pipes: Freeze-thaw cycles are common in Eastern Washington. As the ground expands and contracts, it can push sewer pipes out of alignment. Wastewater then pools in low spots, leading to clogs.
- Leaks attract roots and debris: Once a pipe starts leaking, moisture draws roots in. Debris settles in the damaged spot, slowing the flow and building pressure—causing more leaks and often a full blockage.
Routine sewer drain cleaning helps catch these problems before they turn into emergencies.
Blockages from Debris Build-Up
Everyday use causes some of the most common—and most avoidable—sewer line blockages.
- Grease, food scraps, and wipes collect over time: Even when careful, it’s easy for things like cooking oil, soap scum, and hygiene products to accumulate inside your pipes. One blockage can quickly affect drains all over the house.
- Debris changes how water and air move: When the line narrows, wastewater slows down and air gets trapped. That’s when drains start gurgling and the house starts to smell.
- Old plumbing fixtures can make it worse: Outdated spigots or drains with poor venting can slow water down, making it easier for buildup to settle and harden.
Regular cleaning keeps your system flowing and prevents these blockages from turning into bigger issues.
The Importance of Timely Sewer Drain Cleaning
Waiting too long to handle a sewer problem can snowball into serious damage. Getting your drains cleaned on a regular basis is one of the simplest ways to protect your entire home.
- Stay ahead of plumbing emergencies: When a sewer backs up, it’s more than an inconvenience. It can destroy flooring, furniture, and anything else it touches. Routine cleanings help stop problems before they spiral.
- Keep your foundation secure: Leaks under your home can wash away the soil that supports your foundation. That can lead to cracks, shifting, or even basement flooding.
- Prevent harmful gases from entering your home: Sewer gas contains dangerous compounds like methane and hydrogen sulfide. Even small leaks can let these gases inside, causing health problems such as headaches or fatigue.
- Save money with early repairs: Sewer drain cleaning costs far less than digging up your yard, replacing pipes, or fixing water damage. Spotting issues early keeps repair bills low.
At Mainstream, we think of sewer drain cleaning the same way you would a regular furnace filter change—just another smart habit that protects your home.
Professional Solutions for Lasting Results
When sewer problems show up, the first step to fixing them is knowing exactly what’s going wrong. Our team at Mainstream works with advanced tools and real experience to diagnose problems quickly and get your system back on track—without tearing up your yard.
Sewer Camera Inspections
Understanding what’s happening underground starts with a clear view inside the pipe.
- No digging required: We use a small, high-resolution camera to inspect your entire sewer line. It shows cracks, root intrusions, sags, and build-up—without disturbing your property.
- You see what we see: The live video feed is shared with you, so you can understand what’s causing the problem and why we recommend a certain fix.
We often include camera inspections during sewer drain cleaning appointments, making it easier to plan your next step with confidence.
Hydro Jetting to Remove Roots and Debris
Some clogs need more than a plunger or a basic snake to clear. That’s where hydro jetting comes in.
- High-pressure water clears the entire pipe: A powerful jet of water blasts away roots, grease, and hardened waste, restoring full flow through the line.
- Tough on blockages, easy on your pipes: Unlike harsh chemicals or basic snaking, hydro jetting leaves your pipes clean and smooth—less likely to clog again soon.
Many homeowners who book regular hydro jetting appointments see fewer plumbing problems over time.
Trenchless Sewer Repair and Pipe Relining
If the pipe is too damaged for cleaning alone to help, trenchless methods offer a cleaner way to fix the issue.
- Little to no digging required: Our team uses specialized tools to repair or replace your sewer line without tearing through lawns, patios, or driveways.
- Pipe relining builds a new pipe inside the old one: A flexible liner, soaked in resin, gets inserted into the damaged pipe and then cured in place. The result is a strong, seamless pipe that keeps roots out and lasts for decades.
- Faster, cleaner, and more affordable: Trenchless repairs take less time and usually cost less than traditional digging—especially for homes with complex landscaping or difficult access.
Mainstream is one of the few providers in the Spokane area offering trenchless sewer repair alongside expert sewer drain cleaning.
We are Drains. We are Mainstream.
For over two decades, Mainstream has helped Spokane and Northern Idaho homeowners protect their homes from sewer problems. Whether you’re dealing with slow drains, bubbling toilets, or foul odors, our licensed plumbers are ready to help with sewer drain cleaning that actually solves the problem.
- We treat your home with respect and focus on the details.
- Our plumbers are local, experienced, and fully licensed.
- We’re available 24/7 and don’t charge extra for nights or weekends—because sewer problems don’t wait for business hours.
Don’t wait until a backup ruins your basement. Call Mainstream to schedule a sewer camera inspection and get professional drain cleaning that restores peace of mind.
