Warning Signs Your Main Sewer Line is Clogged

When was the last time you thought about your main sewer line? Most homeowners don’t ever consider their main sewer line until something goes wrong. The major problem is that when something bad happens to the main sewer line, it has the potential to be a disaster. Some examples of a disaster include raw sewage leaks and significant plumbing damage. Oftentimes, homeowners mistake a main sewer line clog for a regular stopped up drain, that’s why we’re sharing the warning signs your main sewer line is clogged.

More Than One Drain is Clogged

A surefire sign that you may have problems with your main sewer line is if more than one drain is stopped up. It’s important to note that this does not apply to connected sinks; but, if you’re seeing a kitchen sink and a bathroom sink clog at the same time, it could point to larger issues. The larger issue being a clog in the main sewer line.

There’s Water Waste in Your Sewer Cleanout

First, what’s a sewer cleanout? Don’t worry, most people don’t know what a sewer cleanout is or where to find it. Simply put, a sewer cleanout is a small pipe that grants access to your main sewer line. Generally, it can be found in your outside of your home, sometimes in your backyard. The cleanout is oftentimes marked by a square stub protruding from a pipe cap or plug. To see if there’s any water waste collection you don’t need to unscrew the cap, just inspect the area around it. If you see water waste collecting in your grass or inside your home, that’s a good sign that your main sewer line is clogged.

Water is Overflowing into Other Plumbing Fixtures

Do you ever flush your toilet and see water come out of your bathroom sink or shower drain? Or, do you turn on your kitchen faucet to hear water gurgling somewhere else in the house? If water can’t escape through one drain, it will try to escape through another. Your main sewer line is like a major highway. All traffic should be able to move, and merge, freely. If there’s an accident on the road that closes a few lanes, traffic can’t move smoothly and there’s a backup. This same principle is applied to your main sewer line. If there’s a clog in the main sewer line, your water waster traffic will try to escape somewhere else, like your shower drain.

What Causes a Clog in the Main Sewer Line?

Many things can cause a clog, but more often than not, the culprits are roots and debris. Tree roots naturally grow towards water and moist spots in the dirt, which makes your sewer system an easy target. The tree roots will reach to your plumbing system and over time those roots can crack your pipes and grow directly in your plumbing system, ultimately causing it to clog or break. If you’re sure trees aren’t the root cause of your clog, chances are your pipes are backed up because of household debris. This debris is caused by toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, soap scum, and even “flushable” wipes.

Call Bell Brothers if You’re Caught in a Clog

Think your main sewer line is clogged? Don’t hesitate to call the sewer experts at Bell Brothers! Bell Brothers has been in business for over 25 years, faithfully serving the Sacramento area and the surrounding suburbs. We’re “The No Surprise Guys,” which means you’ll never be surprised by our prices. You’ll get all the information you need upfront to make a good, informed decision about your home. We treat your home and family with the same level of care we do our own. Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Call Bell Brothers now!