CLOGGED SEWER LINE

Throughout your home there are drain lines which carry wastewater away from skinks, toilets, tubs, and more. All of these lines lead to the main sewer line, this pipe is very big, and its job is to send all the waste from your home to your sewer which is operated by your city, or septic system which is placed underground on the land of your house.

When the sewer becomes clogged, every drain inside of your home will not work and it might lead to dealing with water backing up out of your fixtures. If you have an issue with your main sewer line clog, there is not a do-it-yourself way of fixing it, unfortunately. Since these drains are buried deeply under the ground, away from your home, you will need a specialist who knows how to handle the special equipment needed in order to solve the problem. One main cause of clogging in your sewer line is damage to the sewer itself, meaning, the pipe bends or collapses and in turn this keeps the waste from moving through the line properly.

On the other hand, some other causes which can harm a sewer line are - damaged pipe joints, sagging over time, corrosion within the pipe, shifting soil around the pipe, or even construction near the line. If you pour any type of fat, greases, or oils down a sink drain, after cooling down it will begin to harden and this is the most common type of debris which clogs a sewer line. Even if you turn on scorching hot water to melt away the debris, by the time it reaches your main sewer line, it will firm up again which in turn causes the fat to stick to your lines and cause a clog. Another type of debris which causes clogs are flushable wipes, sanitary products, paper towels, and such.

These items should not be sent down the drains. Finally, tree roots; the tiniest root can find its way into your pipes over time and even though you may not notice a significant leak right away, but after time the roots keep growing inside the pipe causing blockages and not allowing debris to move through the pipes.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SEWER LINE IS CLOGGED?

Here are some potential signs to look out for if you suspect you may need a sewer line cleaning: dark water, which is water backing up into the tubs and showers in your home; this is a red flag that your main-drain is clogged. Since the water has nowhere to go, it moves backward, seeking the lowest point of entry which typically in most homes is the shower, tub, or floor drain in a basement. This waste will be dark, very smelly, and it can have raw sewage which you need to be very careful due to being able to cause health issues. When cleaning up after dark water, make sure to use PPE (proper protective equipment).

Secondly, slow moving drains, when your sewer line has a clog in it, the water will move very slowly and you will notice pooling whenever you run the water. If this is your issue, then the problem typically is a clogged sewer line. Finally, clogged plumbing fixtures. As the clog is being built up, no wastewater can move through the pipes which in turn makes your drains quit working entirely.

WHAT TO DO IF I HAVE A CLOGGED SEWER LINE?

The first thing you need to do if you suspect you have a clogged sewer line is turn off the water in your home. You need to identify your water main which is a line that supplies your home with water. It is typically located near your home’s water meter, or outside the home near a corner of your house. The water main looks like a large wheel, handle, or lever. You want to make sure you turn it completely until it is entirely shut off.

Next, you want to call a plumber who has tools able to perform heavy-duty sewer line cleaning, also they have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat the problem. Due to mose sewer line clogs being caused by broken pipes, tree roots, and other deep issues, do-it-yourself projects are not advisable due to not addressing the real problem. Depending on your situation, a replacement of your whole sewer pipes may be needed, which involves digging up the yard.