The sewer lines in your home transport wastewater to the underground main sewer lines. Beyond that, most homeowners don’t think much about the sewer lines until they have a clogged pipe.
Sewer line clogs can lead to raw sewage backing up and overflowing from the drains, resulting in significant damage to the home and potentially costly repairs or replacement of the sewer line. Knowing the warning signs of a blockage can help you determine when to remove a sewer line clog and keep your plumbing system flowing.
As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand how to respond to your home’s early warning system; this way, you can avert expensive sewer, septic system, and plumbing problems. Here are some warning signs to look out for.
Two of the most common red flags are water backing up from a drain or toilet, or a gurgling sound from the drains.
Your house emits a troubling gurgling sound. After you run the washing machine, the toilet percolates like a coffee pot, or water pools around a basement drain; those are telltale signs of a clog or blockage somewhere in your drainage system.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to address them promptly. Homeowners can clear minor clogs using DIY methods, such as a plunger or hot water, but professionals must address significant issues with the main sewer line. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can cause further damage to your pipes. Instead, consult a licensed plumber to assess the situation and recommend appropriate solutions, such as hydrojetting or sewer line replacement, to restore the functionality of your plumbing system.
A main sewer line clog, similar to a tree root blockage, typically reveals itself through wastewater or sewage backup in your basement or floor drain, or water backing up from your toilet or bathtub drain. Imagine the tree filling with water, and the lowest tips of the branches are where the water backs out of first! If the main drain clogs, you can bypass all the smaller drain lines by using a sewer cleanout, also known as a “cleanout.” A cleanout is an opening that allows access to the inside of the sewer pipe, enabling plumbing services to unclog the sewer drain directly if the sewage line becomes clogged.
On the other hand, if it’s a secondary line clog, it will be an isolated problem. For example, if the clog is in just the kitchen sink, it won’t go down, or it will come back up in the kitchen sink. However, you can still flush the toilet, run the washing machine, shower, etc.
Drain cleaning for secondary drain lines can sometimes require the steady hands of a professional plumber, and a shower drain blockage may lead to a larger problem. If it’s in the mainline, the toilet will percolate if you turn on any water in the house. It typically appears in the basement, floor drain, or bathtub, and then becomes slow-draining as the blockage accumulates more debris and eventually becomes clogged.
Many people experience issues with their drains due to the presence of tree roots. That’s the leading cause of drain problems. Sometimes older trees will crush pipes. In older homes, slow-flowing drains and gurgling noises in toilets are the first signs of a sewer system hampered by tree roots.
If you don’t remove the roots, it’s a matter of time before a complete sewer line block occurs. The first line of defense against a clogged drain pipe is to see if a plumber can open it with a cable. If not, the next step is to run a camera through the sewer drain to determine if tree roots are the culprit.
To try this method, boil approximately eight cups of water and add a few tablespoons of dish soap. Slowly and carefully pour the mixture down the affected drain. The heat combined with the soap may help break down greasy buildup and allow it to move through the pipes.
Keep in mind:
However, using a plumbing snake requires caution and experience. If misused, it can damage your pipes or push the clog further down the line. That’s why homeowners unfamiliar with this tool should avoid a DIY approach.
Instead, it’s best to call a licensed plumber who can safely and effectively navigate the sewer line without causing additional issues. A trained professional can determine whether the clog is due to tree roots, grease buildup, or another obstruction and use the proper method to clear it.
Professionals efficiently and safely address the clog, preventing further damage and potential health hazards. It’s also wise to schedule regular sewer maintenance to avoid recurring issues and costly repairs. Learn why maintenance is critical to preventing sewer line problems and how it can protect your home’s plumbing system.
Contact a Kansas City plumber from A-1 today for all your drain cleaning, water heater, septic tank, and plumbing system needs!
Sewer line clogs can lead to raw sewage backing up and overflowing from the drains, resulting in significant damage to the home and potentially costly repairs or replacement of the sewer line. Knowing the warning signs of a blockage can help you determine when to remove a sewer line clog and keep your plumbing system flowing.
As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand how to respond to your home’s early warning system; this way, you can avert expensive sewer, septic system, and plumbing problems. Here are some warning signs to look out for.
Critical Symptoms of a Clogged Sewer Line
A clogged main sewer line can disrupt your entire plumbing system, leading to significant inconveniences and potential health hazards. Recognising the early signs is crucial to prevent extensive damage. Below are the critical symptoms indicating a possible sewer line blockage :1. Gurgling sounds from different drains
Unusual gurgling or bubbling noises from your drains, toilets, or plumbing fixtures often signal a compromised main sewer line. These sounds occur when trapped air bubbles attempt to escape through the clogged pipe, indicating a blockage that disrupts the normal flow of water. If you notice such noises, especially when using multiple fixtures, it’s advisable to investigate further to prevent a complete blockage.2. Water backs up from the sewer cleanout
The sewer cleanout is an access point to your home’s main sewer line. If you observe water or sewage backing up from this pipe, it indicates a severe blockage in the main sewer line. This situation requires immediate attention, as it can lead to standing water and potential property damage.3. Plumbing becomes unbearable
When your plumbing system exhibits multiple issues simultaneously, such as slow drains, frequent clogs, or inconsistent water levels, it suggests a significant problem with the main sewer line. These symptoms indicate that the blockage affects the entire plumbing system, making daily activities challenging and uncomfortable.4. Drains are starting to smell
Persistent foul odors from your drains or around your home can strongly indicate a clogged main sewer line. When the sewer line is blocked, sewage has nowhere to go and can start to decompose, releasing unpleasant, sulfuric smells. These odors can seep through your drains and even permeate your yard, making it unpleasant and potentially unsafe to be around your home.5. The Yard is a mess
Unexplained soggy patches, indentations, or unusually lush areas in your yard can be signs of a damaged or leaking main sewer line. When a sewer line is clogged or broken, wastewater may seep into the surrounding soil, leading to standing water and promoting excessive grass growth. These conditions damage your landscaping and pose health risks due to potential contamination.Two of the most common red flags are water backing up from a drain or toilet, or a gurgling sound from the drains.
Your house emits a troubling gurgling sound. After you run the washing machine, the toilet percolates like a coffee pot, or water pools around a basement drain; those are telltale signs of a clog or blockage somewhere in your drainage system.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to address them promptly. Homeowners can clear minor clogs using DIY methods, such as a plunger or hot water, but professionals must address significant issues with the main sewer line. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can cause further damage to your pipes. Instead, consult a licensed plumber to assess the situation and recommend appropriate solutions, such as hydrojetting or sewer line replacement, to restore the functionality of your plumbing system.
Main Line & Secondary Line Clogs
A clog can occur in one of two places: the mainline (or main sewer line) or a secondary line. Picture your house as a tree: One main trunk runs out of the house, and then you have a bunch of small branches off of that. If a clog blocks the main sewer line, running water anywhere in the house will cause problems.A main sewer line clog, similar to a tree root blockage, typically reveals itself through wastewater or sewage backup in your basement or floor drain, or water backing up from your toilet or bathtub drain. Imagine the tree filling with water, and the lowest tips of the branches are where the water backs out of first! If the main drain clogs, you can bypass all the smaller drain lines by using a sewer cleanout, also known as a “cleanout.” A cleanout is an opening that allows access to the inside of the sewer pipe, enabling plumbing services to unclog the sewer drain directly if the sewage line becomes clogged.
On the other hand, if it’s a secondary line clog, it will be an isolated problem. For example, if the clog is in just the kitchen sink, it won’t go down, or it will come back up in the kitchen sink. However, you can still flush the toilet, run the washing machine, shower, etc.
Drain cleaning for secondary drain lines can sometimes require the steady hands of a professional plumber, and a shower drain blockage may lead to a larger problem. If it’s in the mainline, the toilet will percolate if you turn on any water in the house. It typically appears in the basement, floor drain, or bathtub, and then becomes slow-draining as the blockage accumulates more debris and eventually becomes clogged.
What are the Causes?
In older homes with mature trees on the property, tree roots are the most common cause of a clogged sewer line. The most common culprits in newer homes include feminine hygiene products, extra-thick toilet paper, and paper towels.Many people experience issues with their drains due to the presence of tree roots. That’s the leading cause of drain problems. Sometimes older trees will crush pipes. In older homes, slow-flowing drains and gurgling noises in toilets are the first signs of a sewer system hampered by tree roots.
If you don’t remove the roots, it’s a matter of time before a complete sewer line block occurs. The first line of defense against a clogged drain pipe is to see if a plumber can open it with a cable. If not, the next step is to run a camera through the sewer drain to determine if tree roots are the culprit.
How do you clear a clogged main sewer line?
Dealing with a blocked main sewer line can be a significant hassle, and if left unresolved, it may lead to costly damage throughout your home’s plumbing system. While a few handy homeowners might attempt a DIY approach, mainline clogs are often more complex than they appear. That’s why calling a licensed plumber is typically the smartest and safest route. Using professional tools and expertise ensures the clog is cleared adequately without causing further complications or damage.Home remedies to unclog a main sewer line
Sometimes, homeowners can try simple at-home methods to relieve minor blockages before calling a professional. One common approach is to use hot water and dish soap, especially if grease, fats, or organic buildup is causing the clog.To try this method, boil approximately eight cups of water and add a few tablespoons of dish soap. Slowly and carefully pour the mixture down the affected drain. The heat combined with the soap may help break down greasy buildup and allow it to move through the pipes.
Keep in mind:
- Hot water is most effective on grease-related clogs, not blockages caused by hair or foreign objects.
- Avoid this method if your plumbing includes PVC pipes or porcelain sink bowls, as extreme heat could cause damage.
- Repeat the process a few times to achieve the desired results.
Unclog the main sewer line with a snake
A professional plumbing snake, also known as a drain auger, is one of the most effective tools for breaking up stubborn blockages in a main sewer line. This tool reaches deep into the pipes and dislodges buildup that standard plungers and cleaners can’t remove.However, using a plumbing snake requires caution and experience. If misused, it can damage your pipes or push the clog further down the line. That’s why homeowners unfamiliar with this tool should avoid a DIY approach.
Instead, it’s best to call a licensed plumber who can safely and effectively navigate the sewer line without causing additional issues. A trained professional can determine whether the clog is due to tree roots, grease buildup, or another obstruction and use the proper method to clear it.
Professionals efficiently and safely address the clog, preventing further damage and potential health hazards. It’s also wise to schedule regular sewer maintenance to avoid recurring issues and costly repairs. Learn why maintenance is critical to preventing sewer line problems and how it can protect your home’s plumbing system.
Contact A-1 Sewer & Septic Today
A-1 has been serving the KC area for decades, performing drain cleaning for numerous customers, as well as installing plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and other related services. If you have a sewer line problem, you have found the solution with A-1 Sewer!Contact a Kansas City plumber from A-1 today for all your drain cleaning, water heater, septic tank, and plumbing system needs!
