Nobody wants to have to deal with a clogged sewer line. There are few things as messy and distressing as this particular issue. It is the kind of issue, though, that if you don’t address it promptly, it can lead to a potentially disastrous situation where wastewater overflows into your home. This, of course, could not only cause extensive damage, but could pose serious health risks to you and your loved ones as well.
Among the many plumbing problems homeowners encounter, a clogged sewer line is undoubtedly one of the most common. It can happen for a lot of different reasons, including issues like collapsed pipes and the buildup of debris. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to deal with a clogged sewer line, the signs to look out for when it comes to determining whether your sewer line is clogged, and some strategies you can use to avoid wastewater overflow. Let’s get started!
How Does Your Sewer Line Work, Exactly?
Before we start talking about solutions, it’s important that you have a basic understanding of how your sewer line works. Needless to say, the sewer line is an incredibly important component of your home’s plumbing system as it’s responsible for carrying wastewater from your sinks, showers, toilets, and other appliances to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.
Most sewer lines are made from durable materials like — PVC, cast iron, or clay — and these pipes are buried deep underground. You may not be aware of this, but your sewer line can actually span a considerable distance away from your home depending on where the main sewer line is located. A little knowledge goes a long way. The more you know about your sewer line, the more successful you’ll be while dealing with clogs. That’s the hope, anyway.
Common Plumbing Problems That May Lead to Sewer Line Clogs
One of the first questions you’ll probably ask yourself when you discover that your sewer line is clogged is: “How in the world did this happen?” The fact of the matter is, a lot of different plumbing problems can lead to a clogged sewer line. Understanding these issues is the first step when it comes to addressing and preventing major sewer line blockages.
Accumulation of Debris
Over time, daily debris (like hair, grease, soap scum, and food residue) can accumulate inside of your sewer line. If this sounds unpleasant, it’s because it is — and it can obviously lead to some pretty big problems. Basically, the more debris that accumulates inside of your sewer line, the more its capacity to function properly will reduce. If this issue goes unchecked for a long time, it’ll almost definitely cause a clog in your sewer line.
Flushing Things That Shouldn’t Be Flushed
Your toilet is more sensitive than you might think. When clogs happen, you’ll probably (naturally) reach for the plunger, but this is only a temporary fix. Flushing (or forcing with the plunger) non-biodegradable items (such as wet wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels) down the toilet can lead to severe clogs and may even cause long-term damage to your sewer line.
Aging Pipes
This can be easy to overlook — most people aren’t really keeping track of the age of their pipes, after all! It’s important to keep your pipes in mind, though, as they age, because older pipes are more susceptible to corrosion, scaling, and damage, which could potentially increase the likelihood of problems like blockages and even collapsed pipes later on. Basically, your pipes will last for a long time, but they won’t last forever. You’ll need to be vigilant, get them checked, and replace them from time to time if you’re going to avoid clogs in your sewer line.
How to Tell if Your Sewer Line is Clogged
Have you been hearing any odd gurgling noises when you turn off your sink? Perhaps your toilet takes a suspiciously long time to empty after you flush it. Recognizing the signs of a clogged sewer line early on is crucial — by doing so, you might just be able to catch the issue before it gets completely out of hand (we’re talking wastewater everywhere — yuck). Let’s take a closer look at the tell-tale signs of a clogged sewer line below.
Slow Drains
If multiple drains in your home are slow to empty, it could be an early sign of a sewer line blockage. If you notice this happening, it’s probably a good idea to call a plumber as soon as possible.
Water Backing Up
The most alarming sign is wastewater backing up into your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets. This situation demands immediate attention!
Gurgling Noises
Strange gurgling or bubbling noises from your drains, toilets, or other types of plumbing fixtures suggest a potential blockage. Don’t ignore them!
How to Deal With a Clogged Sewer Line
Although sewer line clogs are avoidable, they do happen. There’s no need to panic, but it is important that you take action right away. The first thing you’ll need to do is shut off your home’s main water supply to keep more wastewater from overflowing. Then, call a plumber who’s experienced with sewer line problems — Legendess Plumbing (serving Chester and Delaware Counties in PA) is a great choice! Any one of their licensed plumbers will be happy to talk with you today. All you need to do is give them a call.
The plumber will check your sewer line to find the blockage and figure out whether any pipes have collapsed. Depending on what’s causing the clog, he or she will clear it out (most likely by using a method like pipe relining or hydro jetting). If they find collapsed pipes, they’ll need to fix or replace them — which might involve some digging, but the temporary disruption will be well worth it!
Once the clog is gone, you should make sure to talk to the plumber about ways to prevent future issues with your sewer line. By doing so, you’ll be investing in a reliable plumbing system that’s meant to last for the long haul!