A clogged main sewer line is one of those plumbing problems that can start subtle and turn into a major mess fast. If you’re in Marietta, GA and you’re noticing multiple drains acting up at once, sewage odors, or backups in the lowest fixtures in your home, there’s a real chance the issue isn’t “just a clogged toilet” or “just a slow sink.” It may be the main line.

When you call us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC, our master plumber focuses on two things immediately: stopping damage (especially if there’s a backup happening now) and identifying the true cause so the problem doesn’t keep coming back. We’re a 5-star Google-rated team, we provide emergency plumbing services, and we can confirm what’s happening inside the line with a video plumbing inspection. If the pipe is damaged, we can also talk through trenchless plumbing repair and trenchless water line repair options when they apply.

What is the “main sewer line” (and why it matters)?

Your main sewer line is the primary pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system (or septic, if applicable). Every drain in your home eventually feeds into it:

• Toilets
• Sinks
• Showers/tubs
• Laundry drains
• Floor drains (in basements or garages, when present)

So when the main line is clogged, the symptoms often show up in more than one place—sometimes all at once.

The clearest signs your main sewer line is clogged

Here are the most common warning signs we see in Marietta homes. The more of these you have at the same time, the more likely it’s a main line issue.

1) Multiple drains are slow or backing up at the same time

If one sink is slow, that’s usually a localized clog. But if you notice:

• The toilet is slow and the shower is slow
• The kitchen sink backs up and the laundry drain is slow
• Several bathrooms are affected at once

That’s a strong indicator the restriction is deeper in the system—often the main sewer line.

2) Water backs up in the lowest fixtures first

Main line clogs often show up in the lowest points of the home because gravity sends wastewater to the lowest exit path. Common examples are:

• You flush a toilet and water backs up into the shower/tub
• The lowest toilet gurgles or overflows first
• A basement or garage floor drain backs up (if you have one)

If you’re seeing backups in a tub or shower when you flush, don’t ignore it—call us right away so our master plumber can prevent a full sewage backup.

3) Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains

Gurgling is often a sign of trapped air in the plumbing system caused by a blockage. You might notice:

• Toilet bubbles when the sink drains
• Gurgling after you run the washing machine
• A “glug-glug” sound in the shower drain

Gurgling doesn’t always mean the main line is clogged, but it’s a common early warning sign—especially when paired with slow drains.

4) Sewage odors inside or outside the home

A main sewer line clog can cause wastewater to sit in the line longer than it should, and that can create noticeable odors.
If you smell:

• Sewer gas in a bathroom
• A sewage smell near a cleanout
• Odors outside near the foundation

Call us. Our team will treat it as a priority because odors can signal a developing backup or venting issues that need professional attention.

5) You keep “fixing” clogs, but they come right back

If you’re plunging, snaking, or using store-bought drain cleaners repeatedly and the problem returns, that’s a sign the blockage may be:

• Deeper than the fixture line
• Caused by buildup coating the pipe walls
• Root intrusion
• A damaged or offset pipe section

When you call us, we don’t just try to get it flowing temporarily—we aim to identify the cause and recommend a solution that lasts.

6) Backups happen after heavy rain (sometimes)

In some cases, heavy rain can worsen sewer issues due to:

• Inflow/infiltration in damaged lines
• Saturated soil affecting compromised pipes
• Municipal sewer surcharging (area-dependent)

If you notice a pattern where backups happen during or after storms, it’s worth having us perform a video plumbing inspection to check the condition of the line.

The most common causes of main sewer line clogs in Marietta, GA

Marietta has a mix of older and newer homes, and we see a few repeat offenders:

Tree root intrusion
Roots seek moisture. A tiny crack or joint gap can invite roots, which then catch debris and create recurring blockages.

Grease and sludge buildup
Kitchen lines are notorious for grease buildup. Over time, grease can narrow the pipe and trap food debris and other waste.

“Flushable” wipes and hygiene products
Even wipes labeled “flushable” can cause major sewer problems. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can snag on rough pipe interiors.

Pipe damage or collapse
Older pipes can crack, shift, or collapse. When that happens, no amount of plunging will permanently fix it.

What to do right now if you suspect a main line clog

If you think your main sewer line is clogged, here’s what we recommend immediately:

1. Stop using water in the home
   Avoid flushing toilets, running dishwashers, doing laundry, or taking showers. More water can trigger a backup.
2. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners
   They rarely fix main line problems and can create hazards for you—and for our technician—during service.
3. If sewage is backing up, treat it as an emergency
   Call us for emergency plumbing services so our master plumber can stop the situation from escalating.
4. If you have a cleanout and it’s overflowing, don’t open it yourself
   A pressurized backup can spill sewage quickly. Call us and we’ll handle it safely.

How we confirm the problem (without guessing)

The fastest way to stop repeat issues is to diagnose accurately. Depending on symptoms, we may recommend:

Video plumbing inspection

A video inspection of your plumbing system lets our master plumber see exactly what’s happening inside the line:

• Where the clog is located
• Whether it’s roots, grease, wipes, or a damaged pipe
• Whether the pipe is cracked, offset, bellied, or collapsed

This is especially helpful when you want clear answers before committing to a bigger repair.

Drain cleaning or hydro jetting (when appropriate)

If the line is structurally sound but clogged with buildup, we may recommend professional cleaning. In cases of heavy buildup, hydro jetting can clean the pipe walls more thoroughly than basic snaking.

Trenchless plumbing repair (when the pipe is damaged)

If the camera shows the pipe is broken or failing, we can discuss trenchless plumbing repair options that may reduce digging and disruption compared to traditional excavation. And if your issue turns out to be on the supply side (not sewer), we also provide trenchless water line repair options in qualifying situations.

When to call us immediately

Call us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC right away if:

• Multiple drains are backing up
• A toilet is overflowing and plunging isn’t working quickly
• You see sewage in a tub/shower or floor drain
• You smell sewage and drains are slow
• You suspect a main line issue and need a fast, clear diagnosis

We’re a 5-star Google-rated team led by an Unrestricted Master Plumber, and we’re known for being professional, informative, transparent, and timely—especially when the situation is urgent.

Main sewer line clogged in Marietta, GA? Call us.

If you’re seeing the signs of a main sewer line clog, don’t wait for it to become a full backup. When you call us, our master plumber will help you get control of the situation fast, confirm the cause with the right tools (including video camera inspection), and walk you through the best next step—whether that’s cleaning, repair, or a trenchless solution.