Sewer problems often require nothing more than repairs, but watch out for the following red flags that it may be time for sewer line replacement. Old age: Your sewer pipes will likely fail more prematurely in old age. Long-term problems: If you've been dealing with recurring plumbing issues for many months or years, your sewer line may be damaged enough to require a replacement. Big trees: If you have a big tree near or adjacent to your property, huge root systems may have encroached on your sewer lines and caused permanent damage. Persistent clogs: If clogs keep happening even when you're careful about what goes down your drains, this might point to bigger problems in your sewer lines.