Nothing disrupts your day quite like water and sewage backing up into your sinks, tubs, or toilets. If more than one drain in your home is clogging or gurgling, you’re likely dealing with a main sewer line issue—not just a simple clog. At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, we help Mesa homeowners get to the root of these frustrating backups quickly and affordably.
In this post, we’ll walk through the common causes of multiple drain backups, show you what’s happening underground (with the help of the image below), explain the evolution of residential sewer pipe material, and help you decide between sewer line repair vs. full replacement.
What Causes Multiple Drain Backups?
When just one drain is acting up, the issue is likely local, meaning a clogged trap, a slow drain, or buildup in a specific pipe. But when two or more drains start backing up at the same time (often in the lowest points of your home), it’s a sign that something is wrong with your main sewer line.
Here are the most common causes:
- Debris or foreign objects: Wipes, feminine hygiene products, or other non-flushable items. You’d be shocked to know how many times parents call us to let us know their child put a toy or mysterious object down the toilet.
- Grease buildup: Over time, fats, oils, and grease harden and block flow. Be careful what you put down your drains, especially the kitchen drain, check out more information on that here!
- Tree root intrusion: Especially common in older neighborhoods in Mesa and Greater Phoenix where mature landscaping exists.
- Pipe damage or collapse: From age, shifting soil, or heavy equipment above ground.
- Offset or misaligned joints: From ground movement or poor original installation.
- “Belly” in the line: A sag in the pipe where water and waste collect instead of flowing properly.
Let’s Break Down the Image Above
The illustration in this post gives you a clear underground view of your home’s sewer line and the various problems that can lead to backups:
- Flushable wipes, toys, or paper products can clog the pipe near the fixture.
- Grease Deposit: Often poured down kitchen sinks, grease hardens and clogs the line.
- Tree Roots: Roots seek out moisture and infiltrate cracks in the line, blocking flow.
- Broken Pipe: Cracks or collapses allow dirt in and wastewater out.
- Offset Pipe: A shifted joint creates a misalignment, trapping waste.
- Belly: A sag or dip causes waste and water to collect, increasing the risk of blockage.
Each of these issues can lead to slow drains, gurgling toilets, sewage smells, or full-blown wastewater backups inside your home.
Types of Drain Backups You Might Experience
- Toilet backing up into the tub or shower: Classic sign of a main line clog.
- Multiple slow drains: If more than one drain is sluggish, it’s not a coincidence.
- Gurgling sounds from fixtures: Air is trapped and struggling to escape.
- Sewage smell: A definite warning sign that wastewater isn’t flowing properly.
Sewer Pipes Through the Decades
The type of pipe running from your home to the city sewer can vary depending on the age of your house:
| Decade | Common Pipe Material | Notes |
| 1950s-60s | Clay (Orangeburg or vitrified clay) | Prone to tree root invasion and cracking. |
| 1970s-80s | Cast Iron | Durable, but corrodes and scales inside. |
| 1990s-early 2000s | ABS or PVC | Lighter, easier to install, but joints can shift. |
| 2000s-present | PVC SDR-35 or Schedule 40 | Long-lasting and root-resistant when installed correctly. |
At Hansen Family, we use camera inspections to see exactly what material you’re working with—and where any damage is occurring.
Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Best Option?
Once we’ve diagnosed the issue, we’ll walk you through the options:
Sewer Line Repair
- Ideal for isolated issues (e.g., one break or a small root intrusion).
- Trenchless spot repair or digging a small section.
- Lower cost and less disruption to your yard and home.
Sewer Line Replacement
- Recommended for older homes with multiple issues (offsets, bellies, tree roots, etc.).
- Replaces the full line with modern, durable pipe.
- Long-term peace of mind with fewer future problems.
Don’t Wait for a Full Backup
If you’ve got multiple drains backing up, don’t ignore it. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to face a messy, expensive emergency.
Hansen Family Plumbing & Air offers $149 drain cleaning with a FREE camera scope—so you’ll know exactly what’s going on underground.
- Family-owned
- Transparent pricing
- Trusted by homeowners across Mesa and the Greater Phoenix region
Schedule Your Sewer Line Inspection Today
Call or text us now to book your service and say goodbye to slow drains and unexpected backups—for good.
