6 Signs Your Sewer Line Is Clogged & What To Do Next
06/28/24
Your home’s sewage system plays a vital role in the health and safety of your plumbing. Keeping a sewer line clear and clean ensures that wastewater can effectively be flushed away.
If you notice stubborn clogs or persistently slow drainage, you may have a sewer line obstruction. It’s best to address these issues immediately, as a sewer line blockage can lead to property damage, health hazards, and a costly replacement.
Here, we’ll help you identify the top six signs of a sewer line clog and offer tips on what to do next. A DIY solution might be possible for minor clogs, but it’s important to know when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line
A clogged sewer line qualifies as a plumbing emergency. Be on the lookout for these common signs of a sewer blockage:
1. Slow-Draining Sinks and Bathtubs
If your sinks and tubs are all slow to drain, you may have a main water line clog. While hair buildup in the shower is normal, slow drainage across multiple appliances is concerning. Major blockages from waste buildup can lead to catastrophic sewer line bursts.
2. Gurgling Sounds
A gurgling drain or toilet isn’t normal. A sewer line clog blocks the proper flow of wastewater and air, causing pressure to build as water tries to flush down the pipes. A gurgling sound is produced when air bubbles are forced through the water.
3. Frequent Toilet Backups
Recurring toilet backups are often one of the earliest signs of a clogged sewer line. If you’re constantly reaching for the plunger, contact a professional.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Sewage odors are unpleasant — and easily identified. If your yard or bathroom has a lingering, foul smell, you likely have a problem with your sewage line.
5. Water Backing Up in Multiple Fixtures
This happens when singular appliance use causes simultaneous flooding or drainage issues in another part of the home. For instance, you notice a toilet overflow while running the washing machine.
6. Lush Patches in the Yard
If you spot an unusually green or lush patch in your yard, you may be dealing with a sewer line break.
DIY Solutions for Minor Clogs
Homeowners can try to resolve minor clogs using several techniques:
- Plunging: Plunging is effective if you form a tight seal over the clogged drain and use consistent motions. Plumbing works for minor clogs near the drain opening.
- Drain Snakes: For deeper clogs in the sewer line, try a drain snake or auger. Rotate the handle of these tools to break up or release the clog.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: This method helps break down clogs caused by organic materials like fat, grease, and hair. Try pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let this solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.
When To Call a Plumber
Sometimes, a DIY method just won’t cut it. Count on a Caffi Services professional if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Persistent clogs: Our thorough drain cleaning and clearing services address severe clogs caused by tree root infiltration, waste buildup, and more.
- Multiple fixture backups: Simultaneous backups point to a major issue that needs immediate attention.
- Visible sewer line damage: Urgent intervention is needed if you notice wet spots in the yard or visible cracks in your piping.
- Sewage backups: Timely, professional assistance will reduce exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses.
To avoid reoccurring or catastrophic clogs, we recommend annual plumbing maintenance. Preventative care helps fix minor clogs before they magnify in scope.
Trust Caffi Services for Expert Sewer Line Services
Identifying the early signs of a clogged sewer line will help you solve the problem with the urgency it deserves. Because sewer line issues must be addressed promptly, we recommend you call in a professional when DIY methods are no longer useful.
Contact Caffi Services today for emergency plumbing repairs and inspections in Alexandria, VA!
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