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Your home has a few telltale signs of a sewer line problem. If you notice multiple plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, or shower drains) appear to be clogged, call a plumber ASAP. Also, if water appears in the tub or shower when you flush the toilet, you likely have a sewer line issue. A sulfur (rotten eggs) smell and bubbling or gurgling noises at the drain also warrant a check. And keep your eyes peeled for changes to the yard, such as a new indentation or mysteriously soggy grass.

Food grease, soap buildup, paper products, and tree roots often cause serious clogs.

That pungent rotten egg smell coming from your drain is likely the buildup of biofilm—hair, skin, and soap scum that turns into a black sticky mess. In this case, pouring down near-boiling water, baking soda, and white vinegar will remove the smell. Keep in mind that a rotten egg smell is occasionally a sign of larger sewage line clogs and other related issues.

Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.