Which of the following is a common indicator that a sewer line may be surcharged?

Pooling water in manholes is a strong indicator that a sewer line may be surcharged. When a sewer line is surcharged, it means that the flow of wastewater exceeds the capacity of the line, causing excess water to accumulate. This overflow can lead to pooling in manholes, which can be a visible sign that the system is stressed and unable to handle the normal flow of sewage.

In contrast, while dry and cracked ground may indicate a different drainage or infiltration issue, it does not directly relate to surcharging. Consistent flow in the sewer might suggest stable conditions rather than indicating a surcharge situation, and no odor coming from the sewer typically suggests that the system is functioning normally, as odor is often associated with problems such as blockages or backups. Thus, pooling water in manholes is the most direct and recognizable sign of a potential surcharge in the sewer system.