Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer line until something goes wrong — and by then, it’s usually urgent. Southfield’s older neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets and aging infrastructure, are especially prone to root damage and pipe collapse.

Here are five warning signs that it’s time to call Sewer23 before things get worse.

1. Multiple Drains Clogging at Once

If your sinks, tubs, and toilets are all slow at the same time, it’s not a coincidence. That’s a classic sign your main sewer line is blocked or broken.

2. Gurgling Noises from Toilets or Drains

That bubbling sound isn’t air — it’s your plumbing system struggling to breathe. It usually means a blockage is forming deeper in the line.

3. Sewage Odors Around the Yard or Basement

If you smell sewage near your foundation or outside by the grass, that’s a leak underground. Left unchecked, it can cause erosion and serious foundation issues.

4. Constantly Wet Ground or Sinkholes

A soft, swampy patch in your yard — even when it hasn’t rained — often means wastewater is seeping into the soil. This is common near older homes around 8 Mile and Southfield Rd.

5. Repeated Backups After Heavy Rain

If your drains slow down every time it storms, groundwater may be infiltrating your sewer system. That’s a clear sign your line is cracked or collapsed.

How Sewer23 Fixes It

We don’t guess — we inspect. Our video camera system shows exactly what’s happening underground. Then we use hydro-jetting to clear the line or perform full sewer replacements when necessary. Everything is done to code, cleanly, and safely.

If you live in Southfield, MI, and suspect a problem with your main sewer line, don’t wait until it floods your basement.
Call Sewer23 at (248) 993-3423 for an on-site inspection today.