Dealing with plumbing problems, especially when your main sewer line gets clogged, can be a real pain. You might start noticing sewage backup in different areas of your home, and trust us, the smell is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also a risk to your health.
The longer you ignore the issue, the worse it gets over time. So, if you’re wondering why your sewer line is blocked and why it’s such a big deal, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll break down some common signs why sewer line clogs happen and how to deal with a sewer line problem.
Sign # 1 – You See Multiple Drains Backing Up
Think of your home’s drain system like a tree. The main sewer line is like the tree trunk, while the drain pipes throughout your house are like the roots.
In a tree, the roots connect to the main trunk to provide water and nutrients for the tree to grow. But when it comes to your sewer system, it works the other way around. The main sewer line collects all the dirty and contaminated water from the drain pipes and sends it away.
Now, if there’s a blockage in that main sewer line, you’ll start to notice water backing up in various areas of your home. Imagine your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and laundry area being some of these affected spots.
When your home’s drains are slow to let water out, start making strange gurgling noises, or just emit unpleasant odors, these are clear signs that something is clogging up your main sewer line.
Sign # 2 – Sewage Water Present in Floor Drains
In most modern homes, local building codes often require the installation of floor drains that connect to a collection pit, from which a sump pump pumps water to the surface. Typically, you’ll find these floor drains on the ground level or in basements.
Now, when your main sewer line gets blocked, all the sewage and wastewater in the pipes have nowhere to go. Eventually, this sewage will exert pressure and find its way into an alternative drain route. When this occurs, you’ll soon notice sewage starting to emerge (and yes, you’ll definitely smell it too) from floor drains that are commonly found in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
Sign # 3 – Sewage Water Starts Backing Up in Showers & Bathtubs
If you start noticing water backing up in unexpected places while using your water fixtures, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a blockage in your main sewer line.
- When you flush your toilet, you might see water backing up into your bathtub or shower.
- When you run your washing machine, your sinks or toilets may start overflowing.
The cause behind these situations is relatively simple to understand. When a clog occurs in the primary sewage line, it essentially means that all the water and waste attempting to flow out of your house have nowhere to go. This results in a back flow through other drain pipes, leading to these frustrating backups.
Sign # 4 – Extra Shrubbery Growth in Your Yard Area
When we talk about waste water, we’re referring to the dirty water that goes down our drains and toilets in our homes. Now, normally, this water goes through big underground pipes called sewer lines and gets taken far away to a treatment plant where it’s cleaned up. But sometimes, these sewer lines can’t handle all the water, or maybe they’re blocked.
So, what happens then? Well, that wastewater has to find another place to go. Sometimes, it ends up soaking into the soil in your yard. When this happens, it can create a few problems. First off, it can make your yard smell pretty bad because, well, wastewater isn’t exactly known for its pleasant odor.
And second, it can make a part of your yard feel wetter than usual or make the grass or plants in that area grow really fast and thick, almost like a jungle.
Also Read: What is the Difference Between Drain Cleaning & Sewer Cleaning?
What to Do If Your Sewer Line is Clogged?
Sewer line blockage are a common issue that many households in the United States experience from time to time.
We know what it’s like to live in New York City. It’s the best! Part of what makes it the best is the sprawling sewer system that keeps this densely populated city hygienic and disease-free.
However, if the main sewer line in your neighborhood or your home becomes clogged, that vision of a clean and disease-free environment can hit a snag.
At Ever Clear Sewer & Drain, we have a team of highly skilled plumbers ready to permanently resolve your sewage problems. Give us a call at (347) 395-1435 to schedule a sewer inspection and cleanup today.
