4 Signs That a Main Sewer Line Is Clogged
Posted on: 17 December 2015
If you have noticed a foul smell in the yard, plumbing fixtures acting oddly, or multiple plumbing issues around the same time, you might be dealing with a main sewer line clog. Unlike a clog in your shower or kitchen sink, a main sewer drain clog is considered an emergency. It can cause raw sewage to come back up your drains and lead to a lot of damage. It is important to know the signs of this type of clog so you can get an emergency plumber out right away.
Gurgling Noises When Flushing
One of the first things you might notice with your plumbing system is hearing a gurgling noise from your toilet after flushing. Since the toilet has one of the largest drains in the house, this is frequently among the first warning signs. If the main sewer line has a bad clog, the sewer water comes up through a low drain when flushing the toilet. This often includes a driveway or basement drain. When this happens, it can cause the toilet to let out a gurgling sound.
More Than One Indoor Clog
Another sign that you have more than just a minor indoor drain clog is when more than one plumbing fixture has a clog or is having issues at one time. It is unusual to have a clogged shower drain and two clogged sink drains at the same time. It is more likely that the problem is with the main sewer line. This often includes the toilet in addition to a shower, sink or other plumbing fixture inside the home. If you notice that two or more fixtures are backed up at the same time, it is time to call an emergency plumber.
Plumbing Fixtures React Strangely
In addition to the multiple clogs in your home, the plumbing fixtures can also act in other odd ways. For example, you might run the garbage disposal in the kitchen and have water and sewage come up the shower drain. Another common issue is when you flush the toilet and water comes up a sink or shower drain. This is not normal and not usually due to a minor problem. Get emergency drain cleaning right away if this is happening.
Exterior Signs
Some of the signs of a main sewer line clog occur outside your home. For example, you might find that the yard is getting wet or mushy spots or that there is a foul smell. This is due to the water and sewage leaking out of the sewer line into your yard. You might also have tree roots that are growing rapidly, which can cause damage to the sewer line and cause blockages, among other issues.
Do not delay in calling an emergency plumber right away, as they'll have experience dealing with emergency blocked drains. The sewer line clog needs to be cleared as soon as possible to reduce damage to your home and plumbing fixtures.
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