Most homebuyers know they’ll need to deal with maintenance issues after they purchase a house. But, most people don’t consider the plumbing system. Find out four signs that your sewer lines are clogged, and what you can to do about them.
What’s your Main Sewer Line?
Your home’s main sewer system is composed of one main sewer line, with many branches of pipes connecting to water sources such as toilets, sinks and tubs. Your main sewer line is responsible in transporting all waste from the home to the main system. The water treatment plant then receives it.
Four Signs Your Sewerline Is Clogged
Clogged main sewer lines can affect all plumbing systems in your house. This could lead to costly (and possibly messy) problems if not addressed promptly. There are several signs your main sewer lines is blocked.
Water backup in your sink or toilet
Water backing up in the bathroom or sink are two of the most obvious signs that you have a problem. There may be a gurgling sound, or water returning to the drain. The backup should not affect plumbing in any other area than the one affected. If the toilet is clogged, it won’t back into the sink. If water comes up from the basement drain when you flush the toilet, then the main line may be the problem.
Slow drains
While washing dishes, washing hands or taking a shower, be sure to check the drains. It’s common for hair to clog the drains of the shower and slow down the water flow. Slow drains in multiple rooms of your house could indicate a main line clog. If you notice slow drains in certain areas of your home, it is worth checking your main line.
Funky Smells
If you have a blocked sewer line, you might notice a foul-smelling smell coming from your sink, tub, and drains in your basement. Clogged pipes are likely to cause sewage smells. Watch out for sewage getting back up through the drains on the sink and the floor.
Flooded Yard
A sign that your mainline is blocked could be water collecting in your yard. Because sewer lines are several feet underground, it is possible to not immediately notice any problems. You might notice standing water in the yard and a strange smell. This smell may be noticed before the water surface.
Is your main sewer line located?
Locate interior access to your main sewer lines in your crawl space or garage. The main pipe measures 4 in. The main sewer line may also be found outside your yard. Look for the main sewer line near the foundation of the house or next to the street by municipal sewer lines.
Why is my Main Sewer Line Clogged
There are many reasons that your main sewer can become blocked. Some of the most common causes are:
- Broken or damaged pipes
- Tree roots can grow into the sewer lines
- Recurrently flushing unsanitary products (hygiene, toys, food and diaper wipes, etc.)
- Grease and oils pour down the kitchen sink
- Multiple clogs in different drains
- Extreme temperature fluctuations
By ensuring that you only flush toilet paper down your toilets, you can help keep your sewer line clean. You can keep your lawn neat and have a professional inspect the main line every two years to spot any potential problems before they escalate.
What to do when your sewer line is damaged?
If your clogged toilet is more serious, you can contact a local Glendale, CA sewer plumber for an inspection of the pipes. The plumber will use a camera to inspect the pipes and find the problem. Once they have identified the source of your problem, they will provide you with a list options for sewer line repairs.
Depending upon the cause of your sewer line blockage, you may need to:
- Clean the main line (remove roots and debris)
- Broken pipe can be repaired
- A sewer rod can be used to get rid of any accumulated waste
- Re-route the entire sewer line