It’s Spring 2020. Many of us we’re starting to plan our summer vacations, book spring tee times at the local golf courses, or getting the yard ready for some gardening. That all stopped when a certain virus entered our daily lives and disrupted our idea of a “normal” Spring. Now, we’re spending more time at home, which means we’re using our plumbing system more than we typically would.
Are you now finding backups when you flush or gurgling sounds throughout your home? These are signs your main sewer line could be backed up.
Clogged Sewer Lines – What You Should Look For
Homeowners have dealt with a clogged sink or toilet drain or a slow shower drain. That’s usual for a homeowner. These plumbing issues are typically resolved by plunging the drain. But, what about a clogged sewer line?
In contrast, a main sewer line clog typically cannot be resolved with DIY remedies. Furthermore, if the clog is due to a crushed portion of the sewer line, you may have to stomach the costly repair which involves a backhoe excavation and landscape reconstruction.
A clogged sewer line can be a major headache for any homeowner, causing raw sewage to flow back up your drains. Yikes.
So, what are some warning signs of a main sewer line clog?
Let’s put on our inspector hats and look for these warning signs:
Multiple Backed Up Drains In Your Home
Check the following water fixtures through your home:
If more than one of these drains is slow-moving, is gurgling, has a foul smell, or has water backing up, there’s most likely a main sewer clog.
Slow-flowing water is an indication that your main sewer line may have become clogged. Additionally, because every water fixture’s drain eventually connects to the sewer line, a blockage in that main line will eventually back up various drains in your home.
Water Back Ups When Using Plumbing Fixtures
Flush your toilet. Does water start to gurgle up your shower drain or tub?
That means water is trying to leave but is being blocked by a clog.
Common signs you can look for:
- Water backups in the bathtub or shower when you flush the toilet.
- Gurgling in the toilet when you turn on the sink.
- Sinks or toilets start overflowing when you run your washing machine.
A clog in the main sewer line means all wastewater that is working to leave your home has nowhere to go. Eventually, the wastewater is forced to back up other drain lines.
Back-Up at Your Sewer Cleanout
A sewer cleanout is typically a vertical standing pipe fitted with a threaded cap, providing access to your sewer line. The sewer cleanout was put in place at your home when the plumbing was installed. This is required by the government.
Your cleanout is typically located outside your home or in the basement. It should be marked by a round or rectangular cap.
If sewage is pouring out of it, or it has standing water in it, the clog is in the sewage line is between that pipe and the street.
What to do When the Sewer Line from Your Home is Clogged
Main sewer line clogs should be handled immediately. There’s no other choice if you want to protect your home. Your home’s sewer system is one of those systems you’ll never think about until something goes wrong.
It’s critical to get the proper help from a professional to replace the sewer line and avoid major damage. Replacing a water line should be handled by the experienced professional plumbers with Dream Team.
Do you think you have a clog in your main drain sewer line?
Call our expert, licensed plumbers to inspect your sewer lines. Our plumbers will provide a few different methods that fit your needs and budget.
What our plumbers can provide:
- Sewer drain camera inspection
- Main drain cleaning
- Sewer repairs
- Sewer replacements
- conventional trenching
- trenchless water service replacement
Call (610) 609-7771 or Schedule Service Here