Is My Sewer Line Clogged?

Are you wondering what is going on with your drains? It could be many things, but one thing it could be is a clogged sewer line! Sewer lines are the main pipe for sewage and waste removal from your house. Blocking that up could cause a whole bunch of issues! A lot of gross issues too! In this blog, we’ll outline the potential causes of a sewer line clog, discuss why it becomes clogged, and provide actionable steps to address the issue.

Symptoms of Sewer Line Clog

Since all wastewater goes through this one line, a backed up sewer line affects your whole house! The main sewer line receives and impacts all fixtures, potentially causing the following issues:

Foul Odor

If any of your fixtures are smelling foul, it is a strong indication that your sewer line might be clogged. Clogs in this pipe lead to blockages that will make your sewage sit in the pipes and not drain out. Sewage when it sits in your pipe stinks really bad and will leak out of anywhere it can. Call a professional if you notice any unpleasant smells.

Gurgling Sounds from Fixtures

If your toilet gurgles after flushing or your faucet gurgles when water is coming out, this is also an indicator of a clog. Gurgling occurs when air becomes trapped in the pipes, leading to the distinct sound. If you notice this, call a professional as soon as you can.

Multiple Drains Backing Up

Given the interconnected nature of the sewer line with all drains in your house, it is possible to observe multiple drains experiencing backups simultaneously. A clogged drain can’t force the wastewater through, so it just stops at the obstruction. This causes excess wastewater to leak back to where it came from and even places it didn’t come from, even your yard! If you see any dark, sitting water around any of your drains or in your yard, seek a professional as soon as you can.

Causes of Sewer Line Clog

If you have observed the aforementioned symptoms, you might be curious about the underlying causes of your sewer line blockage. There are a bunch of reasons why this might be happening to your pipes.

Tree Roots

Perhaps one of the most unsuspecting causes, this is actually very common, especially in older homes. Roots from surrounding trees will find its way to the pipe and burrow into it, causing obstruction to the inside. These tree roots will snag solids, such as toilet paper and food waste, going through your pipe and cause a blockage. These roots may even break your pipe. So, if you ever plant trees, make sure you plant them far enough away from your house.

Foreign Objects

While it may appear harmless to flush toilet paper or dispose of food waste down the drain, believing that it will simply be whisked away from your home, it can actually contribute to sewer line clogs. However, these objects can be your pipe’s end. Objects such as toilet paper and food waste have the potential to become lodged in the pipes, leading to blockages. This prevents your pipe from being efficient, eventually rendering it useless. In fact, it even harms your sewer system. Always think twice before flushing or draining something that might clog your pipe. This second thought might just save you a huge headache.

Poor Pipe Installation and Condition

As much as we would like to trust the initial plumbers and home builders, that just isn’t the case all the time. Improper or substandard installation of pipes can result in a rapidly deteriorating sewer system. Poor installations can lead to collapsed and damaged pipes, loose joints, incorrect placements, and insufficient drainage. These are typically done by inexperienced plumbers, so make sure to review the plumbers you hire and make sure they are experienced and knowledgeable.

My Sewer Line is Clogged…Now What?

If you reviewed all the possible symptoms of a clogged sewer line and you believe you may have this issue, stop the water. Turn it off, don’t use it for toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers, or anything else. More water usage leads to more blockage and more damage.After you shut off the water, contact a professional plumber to assist you. They will know how to inspect the line, clear the blockage, and repair the pipe.

Final Thoughts

If you experience any foul odors, drain back ups, or gurgling from your fixtures, turn off your water and call a professional plumber. Unfortunately, this issue can be serious and can only be done by a professional. Do not try to do it yourself. Once the problem has been resolved, the professional will assist you in implementing preventive measures to avoid future sewer line issues.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you are having issues with a sewer line clog. We will immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning and drain clearing, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.