While no one wants to deal with a sewer line backup in their home, it is an inevitable part of homeownership that you will likely encounter a sewer line clog at some point or another. When your sewer line does become clogged, this can cause a host of problems, as you will quickly realize how vital a role your sewer line serves by removing water waste from your home. If your sewer line becomes clogged, you will no longer be able to take a shower, do dishes, or flush the toilet, and you may even start to notice an unfortunate smell permeating your home. Fortunately, there are a few signs that you can be on the lookout for in your home that can indicate that a clog is forming in your sewer line. Here are a few of the signs you can look out for that can help you to discover a sewer line clog in your home as early as possible.
Multiple Drains are Clogged
An obvious sign of problems with your sewer line that you should be on the lookout for is drainage problems throughout your home. While clogs will occur in your sinks, toilets, and shower from time-to-time, these are usually local clogs related to something like hair or toilet paper being caught in the pipe close to the drain. However, if you seem to be experiencing drainage issues with multiple drains, or you have been fighting clogs throughout your home in recent weeks, then this is a clear sign that a clog is forming in your main sewer line. You will want to have this issue addressed before sewage begins to back up in your home.
Water Backs Up in Other Drains
A more serious sign of a clogged sewer line is if you see or hear signs of water trying to back up in other drains in your home when you run water. If you flush the toilet and hear gurgling in your tub or shower, or you are running water in the sink and the water in your toilet begins to bubble or rise, this indicates that a big problem is brewing. This means that water going down your sewer line is being blocked by a clog and is looking for another way out via other drains in your home. You will need to have your sewer line professionally serviced immediately, as you may find that sewage begins to back up in your tub or shower the next time you run the sink, or flush the toilet, which can lead to a messy situation.
Your Toilets Aren’t Flushing Like They Should
One of the earliest signs of a sewer line clog that you can be on the lookout for is problems flushing your toilet. If you feel as though your toilets haven’t been flushing like they used to, such as if they seem to be flushing slower in recent weeks, then this can be an early indicator of a clog in your system. If normal plunging will not improve the flow of water in your toilets, then it is likely that a sewer line clog is to blame, and you will want to have your plumbing inspected professionally.
There is Drainage Present in Your Sewer Cleanout
If you are having problems with the plumbing in your home, you may be able to determine if a sewer line clog is to blame by checking your sewer cleanout for drainage. If your sewer cleanout is easily accessible, try to remove the plug. If water begins to ooze out while you are loosening the plug, tighten it back up immediately and call a plumber, as this indicates a serious sewage backup. If you are able to remove the plug without any liquid spilling out, look into the drain with a flashlight. If there is any water in the pipe, then this indicates that there is likely a clog in your sewer line.
Contact us to learn more about the signs you can be on the lookout for indicating a sewer line clog in your home.
