3 Tell-Tale Signs your Sewer Line is Clogged

3 Tell-Tale Signs your Sewer line is Clogged

Most people don’t think about their plumbing unless they notice a leak or one of the home appliances stops working. While most of your main plumbing fixtures operate inside your home, your home’s sewer line is buried beneath the yard, making it more difficult to identify a possible sewer line issue. Timely detection that your sewage system is not working properly is key to avoiding further costly repairs.

While your sewer lines are out of sight, they should not be out of mind. Here are a few indicators that your sewer line could be obstructed:

1. Easily Clogged or Slow Drains
   An occasional clogged toilet, kitchen sink, or shower is normal and, in these instances, a clog can be a quick fix. However, when a clog starts occurring with unusual frequency, especially in multiple drains, or if water is draining slowly throughout your home, this could be a sign of an obstructed sewer line.
2. Sewage Backups and Blockage
   One of the first signs there’s a problem with the main sewage line is water backing up in the sink or toilet. You may hear a gurgling sound and see water coming back up from a drain. For example, if you flush the toilet and see water coming up from a basement drain, the problem is likely with the main sewage line.
3. Sewer Gas Odor
   A bad odor is usually a sign something is wrong – especially if it is a sewage smell.
   You might not always be able to see a sewer line problem, but there’s a good chance you will smell it. Any scent of the sewer gas that is strong enough to permeate a house is a telltale sign of a plumbing problem. This could be a sign of a sewer line clog, as backups will often push smelly sewer gases up drains.

If you experience any of the above, then it’s time to call a plumbing professional.  Our pro-tech plumbers at The Waterworks will inspect your sewer line by taking a video of your pipes. Once they find the area causing the blockage, they will provide you with the best solutions for your home and family.