How to Identify Sewer Line Clogs
The sewer system has to be operating at its best at all times. When the sewer line fails to carry away wastewater and sewage due to a blockage, the family can be exposed to dangerous pathogens and have to deal with problems like basins that don’t drain. Luckily, most drain and sewer clogs can be dealt with easily by calling a plumber for drain cleaning services, but homeowners must know the signs that alert them to a clog first. Here is a quick guide from local experts to help homeowners better understand the signs that their sewer line is clogged.
Strange Sounds and Smells
Drain and sewer lines are built into walls and buried beneath the home and yard surrounding the home. This can make them difficult to troubleshoot visually, so homeowners must look for other signs of problems. Luckily, several things can indicate to homeowners that they have a clog, including sounds and smells.
One sign that clogged sewer lines or drain lines are a problem is the sound they can make. If gurgling noises are heard, it can indicate water is trying to drain past a clog or foreign objects in the pipe. Another sign of sewer line clogs is a bad odor. Sewer smells and gasses shouldn’t be noticed in the home. If they are present, it could be because there is a clog preventing sewage from draining. Dealing with the clog quickly can prevent bigger problems from occurring.
Backed-up Drains and Toilets
The water and waste must go somewhere, as a drain drains or a toilet flushes. Normally, the water would flow easily away through the pipe, but when sewer line clogs are present, the only place for the water and sewage to go may be backward into the home. This can allow water or even sewage to back up from the drains and toilets into the home and is an obvious sign that sewer clogs could be plaguing the home.
A plumber can use drain cleaning methods like drain snakes and hydrojetting to remove clogs and restore drainage, allowing water and sewage to flow away again. However, crushed or severely damaged sewer lines can also cause backups and other signs of a clog, so plumbers can inspect the line, looking for any other issues that need to be addressed. If more serious problems exist, plumbers may recommend sewer line repair or replacement to prevent future problems.
Slow Draining or Water That Won’t Drain
It may seem obvious, but the main function of drains is to remove wastewater from sinks, showers, and tubs in the home. Under normal conditions, drains should drain water away quickly and with little noise. If water is left standing at the bottom of a basin or drains very slowly, it can indicate a clog.
While some clogs happen in the drain lines, others occur in the sewer lines. The difference is most often spotted by distinguishing if the slow draining is happening in one location or several. For example, if slow draining is present with only one sink in the home, the clog could be located in the drain line of that sink. But if slow drains occur throughout multiple places in the home, it’s more likely that a sewer line clog or problem is present.
About Green Hills Plumbing
Green Hills Plumbing is a locally owned and operated company serving Nashville, TN, and the surrounding areas. They provide 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing, and no mess. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Nashville, TN.
