If you own a large commercial facility, then you know that plumbing problems can wreak havoc on your business. The plumbing system is at the heart of ensuring proper sanitation in any facility, yet we often only think about its condition when something goes wrong. However, keeping an eye out for potential signs of plumbing problems can help to prevent headaches later on.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a building’s plumbing system is its main sewer line, as this line ensures that waste is directed to the sewer system. A clog in your main sewer line can then put your building’s plumbing out of commission, which can be a major problem. Fortunately, there are signs that you can look out for indicating that there may be a clog in your building’s sewer line, which can allow you to have the issue addressed before it becomes a widespread problem. Here are just a few of the signs you can look out for indicating a clog in your main sewer line.
There Are Multiple Clogs
In a large commercial facility, it is almost guaranteed that you will deal with the occasional clogged sink or toilet. In many cases, a single clog is not something to worry about, and it could merely indicate a localized issue. However, you may need to be concerned that there is a problem with your sewer line if clogs have become a frequent problem, and/or if there are widespread clogs throughout your facility.
There may also be cause for concern if you have been noticing that drains are draining water slower than normal in your building. This can be an early indicator that a clog is forming in your sewer line that has not caused a complete backup. If you notice either of these problems, you will want to schedule an inspection of your sewer line as soon as possible.
Water Backs Up in Strange Places
Another clear indicator that there is something wrong with your sewer line is if you notice sewage backing up in strange places. The fact is that if your sewer line is clogged, wastewater will try to find somewhere else to go when someone flushes a toilet or runs water in a sink. Since plumbing systems are gravity-based, wastewater will usually back up into the lowest drain it can find; usually a shower drain or a sink on a lower floor. If wastewater backs up in strange places throughout your facility, you have a severe clog on your hand that cannot be ignored.
You Notice a Strong Odor
One of the first signs you may notice indicating a clogged sewer line is a strong sewage smell. The fact is that your building’s plumbing should never smell, and if a strong sewage smell is emanating from multiple drains and fixtures throughout your facility, it is likely that you have a blocked sewer line. This is something that you should not ignore, as this indicates that there is a severe blockage that is pushing sewage gasses back up into your facility, which can pose a health hazard.
Water in Sewage Cleanout
If you suspect that you may have a blocked sewer line, you should check your building’s sewage cleanout. Your sewage cleanout is a short vertical pipe that drops directly into the main sewer line. Your sewer cleanout should be easily accessible, and you should be able to easily unscrew the lid to look inside. When you open it up, you should not see anything in your sewage cleanout if your sewer line is working properly. However, if your sewer line is blocked, you will see water inside your sewage cleanout.
Knowing the signs indicating that your commercial facility’s sewer line may be blocked can allow you to address the problem before it causes complications throughout your facility. Contact us to learn more about the signs of a clogged sewer line as well as to schedule an inspection.
