Homeowners understand that owning a property means upkeeping it. However, many people don't think about the plumbing system, a task usually taken for granted, until a major issue arises, such as a blockage. The longer you let your main sewer line go bad, the sooner it will eventually clog up, creating serious issues with excess water and debris, making it harder for waste to move through. To prevent future damage and make sure you have proper maintenance performed, we recommend always seeking the services of an expert sewer line cleaner.
What is Your Main Sewer Line?
Sewer lines are located outside of your home underground. The sewer system in your home consists of one main sewer line and is responsible for transporting all of the waste from sinks, toilets, tubs, and other water sources that run throughout your home. When the sewer line is clogged, all of the plumbing fixtures in your home are directly impacted and require a sewer cleanout from a plumbing professional.
4 Signs Your Sewer Line is Clogged
If you have a main line clog that goes ignored for an extended period, it can cause serious damage to your property, which could cost you a fortune if it's your first major replacement project. Learn four easy ways to tell if you have a clogged sewer line:
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Foul odors coming from the drain system
If you notice a foul odor coming from your drainage system, sink, or tub, then chances are the main sewer system is backed up. Mold growth is also common where it's warm and wet. When there is mold growth on the debris that is causing the drain to clog, to begin with, it can also cause a bad smell.
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Water backing up
This is one of the first signs your sewer line is clogged, and you have a major blockage. When water backs up in your tub, sink, or toilet, you will hear gurgling sounds or hissing sounds and it can take a while for anything to drain through.
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Slow drains
A slow drain in your shower may be caused by hair clogging the shower drain and can easily be removed with baking soda and vinegar, or a plumber's snake. However, if you notice multiple slow drains such as your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs, you may face a bigger issue. You should also check the basement as well because water that doesn't drain has to go somewhere and may affect other plumbing fixtures such as your washing machine.
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Tree roots
The plumbing systems in your home aren't always blocked up by debris; it could be tree roots. If you live in an older home where the old pipes are made from cast iron pipe or clay, the root systems are one of the biggest reasons for having main sewer line issues. If you have a large tree close to your sewer line, the roots could be what is causing the problem. A sewer line camera inspection may be done to further inspect the problem.
What to do When Your Sewer Line is Backed Up
If your main sewer line is backed up, it will force raw sewage from one area to another, creating a smelly mess that will eventually lead to a plumbing emergency. The first thing you should do is turn off the water to prevent the situation from worsening. You may end up flooding the bathroom with raw sewage, which will be a health hazard and may cause major damage to your floors, carpeting, and more. If this does happen, it is best to call a professional plumber who deals with household plumbing. They will be able to assess the situation and determine what is causing the problem.
