Some plumbing problems are easy to detect, like a dripping faucet or clogged toilet. Other issues, however, are more difficult to see, especially if you’re not exactly sure what to look for. Take a sewer line clog, for example. This occurs when a home’s main sewage line is clogged, allowing waste to back up into a home. As you can imagine, the outcome can be disastrous so it’s imperative to act swiftly to prevent damage. As scary as overflowing sewage is, there are definitive signs that can warn homeowners that a blockage is hiding within their sewer line.
Read on to find out the biggest warning signs of a clogged sewer line so you can protect your plumbing system from catastrophic damage.
Causes of Sewer Line Clogs
In general, older homes are more prone to sewer line problems due to their usually older and weaker pipes. Additionally, if you have trees growing near your main sewer line, the roots can infiltrate pipes causing them to rupture. Blockages can also occur when large debris is flushed down the toilet that otherwise shouldn’t be. This includes paper towels, “disposable” wipes, sanitary napkins, and so on.
Warning Signs
- Multiple Drain Back Ups. Have you noticed that multiple drains in your home are suddenly backed up at the same time? This is one of the strongest indications that your sewer line is clogged. When sewer lines become severely clogged, they prevent wastewater from exiting your plumbing system. As a result, the wastewater will back up into sink, toilet, or tub drains, bringing some unpleasant odors along with it.
- Foul Smelling Drains. Speaking of odors, if any of your drains start to smell, you may have sewage backing up into your pipes. Most likely, there is a stoppage forcing the waste back up into the secondary drains.
- Gurgling Noises. Another common sign of a sewer line clog is a gurgling noise coming from a plumbing drain, especially when another fixture is being used. Your bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are all connected to the main sewer line. If your shower gurgles when the toilet is flushed or vice versa, this is an obvious indication that your sewer lines have been compromised.
- Frequent Drain Clogs. Drain clogs are common. Your drains and pipes are exposed to many materials that can build up over time. Eventually, the drains become clogged and require a little elbow grease or professional help to get things moving again. But if you’re reaching for the plunger or calling a pro more often than not, there may be a bigger problem at play.
- Overflowing Cleanout. The cleanout (usually located in either the front or back yard of a house) is where a plumber can access the main sewer line to detect and remove clogs. But if there’s a blockage near the cleanout, you’ll notice some overflow around the cap. Once you locate the top of the cleanout, check to see if anything is leaking out, then call a licensed plumber for assistance.
If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact the plumbing system professionals at Eagle Service Company. Through the use of highly specialized equipment, our skilled and experienced team can locate, remove, and repair any sewer lines that are damaged or clogged. For more information or to request service, contact us today.
