When a sewer line clogs, it can throw your entire household routine off track. Knowing the signs early can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major headache. So, are you asking: How do I know if my sewer line is clogged? We’ve got the answers.
We’ll explore the symptoms of a clogged sewer line, how to tell if your sewer line is clogged, and when it’s time to call a plumbing professional.
Common Symptoms of a Clogged Sewer Line
Recognizing the symptoms of a clogged sewer line early can save you time, stress, and money. Here are some telltale signs to look out for.
Slow Drains Throughout the House
One of the most common symptoms of a clogged sewer line is multiple slow drains throughout your home. A slow drain here and there usually means a smaller blockage. However, when all your drains start slowing down, it usually indicates a larger clog in the main sewer line. If your shower drain, kitchen sink, and bathroom sink are all draining slowly, there’s likely a sewer line blockage causing the trouble.
Gurgling Sounds in Drains
Strange gurgling noises coming from your drains are a strong indicator that a clog may be building up. This happens when air gets trapped and then escapes through the pipes. You may hear gurgling in your shower drain or kitchen sink, and it’s especially common to hear this noise after flushing the toilet if a sewer line is clogged.
Frequent Toilet Overflows
If your toilet is frequently overflowing, it could mean there’s an issue in the main sewer line. When the line is clogged, wastewater can’t flow as it should. This can cause water to back up in the toilet. If you’re experiencing multiple toilet overflows, it might be time to investigate if there’s a bigger clog issue.
Water Backing Up in Different Drains
Another symptom of a clogged sewer line is when water backs up in unexpected places. For example, if flushing the toilet causes water to rise in your bathtub or if running the washing machine leads to a backup in your kitchen sink, your main sewer line might be blocked. Cross-drain backups are a common warning sign of a clogged sewer line.
Persistent Foul Odors
Foul odors are another symptom of a clogged sewer line. If you’re noticing a persistent sewage smell around your drains or even outside near your sewer line, it’s likely a sign that something’s blocking the proper flow of wastewater.
How to Tell if Your Sewer Line Is Clogged
Are you wondering how to tell if your sewer line is clogged? Here are a few quick DIY tests you can try to check for signs of a blockage.
Use the Drain Snake Test
A drain snake is a flexible tool that can be inserted into a drain to reach clogs deep within pipes. If you feel resistance while using a drain snake, it could mean there’s a clog in the line. However, if you meet a lot of resistance, don’t force the tool through, as it could cause damage to the pipes.
Perform a Simple Water Test
This test can help identify a sewer line clog. Fill your bathtub or sink with water and release it all at once. Watch to see if other drains in the house respond, such as a toilet bubbling or another sink backing up. This is a common sign that you’re dealing with a main sewer line blockage.
Listen for Gurgling Sounds
After flushing your toilet, listen carefully to see if there are any gurgling sounds in nearby drains. Gurgling noises can often mean there’s a blockage affecting the sewer line. If you notice these sounds regularly, it’s worth investigating further.
Causes of a Clogged Sewer Line
Being aware of the causes of sewer line clogs can help you prevent future problems. Here are a few common reasons sewer lines become blocked.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are a frequent cause of sewer line blockages. They naturally grow toward water sources, and if they find any cracks in the sewer line, they can invade it. Over time, roots wrap around the pipe, blocking the flow of wastewater and leading to a clogged sewer line.
Grease and Food Debris
Pouring grease, oils, or leftover food down your kitchen sink can build up over time and lead to clogs. Grease solidifies in the pipes trapping other debris like food particles and soap scum. Eventually, this leads to blockages, sometimes in the main sewer line.
Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Another major cause of sewer line clogs is flushing items that don’t dissolve or break down properly. Paper towels, feminine products, and baby wipes are common culprits. Even so-called “flushable” wipes can lead to blockages, creating a clogged sewer line that requires professional help to clear. Remember, you should only be flushing toilet paper.
Shifting Soil and Aging Pipes
Older homes are especially prone to sewer line clogs due to the natural shifting of soil over time and aging pipes. Shifting soil can misalign pipes, and older pipes are more likely to develop cracks or breaks, which can lead to blockages.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Some sewer line problems require professional intervention. Let’s discuss when to consider calling in the experts.
Persistent or Widespread Clogs
If you’ve tried a plunger or drain snake and you’re still dealing with clogged drains, it’s probably time to call a professional plumber. Persistent clogs in multiple drains usually mean there’s a persistent issue with your main sewer line. A professional plumber will have the tools, experience, and knowledge to identify and clear a stubborn sewer line blockage safely and effectively.
Sewage Backups or Standing Water
If you’re experiencing sewage backing up in your sinks, tubs, or other drains, it’s critical to call a plumber right away. Sewage backups are not only unpleasant but also pose serious health risks due to the bacteria and viruses present in raw sewage. A professional can safely manage the backup, clear the clog, and help prevent future issues.
Lingering Foul Odors
If you continue to smell foul odors even after cleaning drains or using DIY fixes, this could indicate a clog deep within the main sewer line. Foul smells are often a result of waste that’s backed up in the pipe, which only a licensed plumber can address fully. Ignoring these smells may lead to a more severe problem down the line, so it’s wise to call for professional assistance as soon as possible.
Professional Services for Clogged Sewer Lines
When you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, professional services are often the best solution. At Erica’s Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration, we offer a wide range of solutions to get to the bottom of the problem, including sewer line services in Boca Raton, FL. Using a high-definition camera, we can inspect the inside of the main sewer line without needing to dig. This approach helps identify the problem accurately, whether it’s a blockage caused by tree roots, debris, or pipe damage, and allows for a more targeted and efficient repair plan.
Expert Drain Cleaning Services
Our drain cleaning services in Boca Raton are designed to clear clogs in the safest way possible. With methods like hydro jetting, which uses highly pressurized water to blast away blockages, we can clear out years of buildup, including grease, food particles, soap scum, and other debris. Our drain cleaning services can restore proper flow, leaving your sewer line working like new.
Schedule Your Sewer Line Services in Pittsburgh Today!
By recognizing the symptoms of a clogged sewer line early and taking action, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your plumbing system running without a hitch. If you’re experiencing slow drains, gurgling sounds, or foul odors, Erica’s Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration is ready to help with our professional inspections, repairs, and drain cleaning services.
Are you ready to tackle your sewer line issues? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing experts! We’re here to handle your plumbing concerns so you can get back to the things that matter most in your home.