Indoor plumbing is one of the most necessary features of today’s modern homes and businesses. On any given day, plumbing is used many, many times without anyone giving it a second thought. Turn the spigot, and fresh water appears. Used water disappears down a drain. It makes modern day life so easy.
That is, until something goes wrong. Slow pipes and toilet clogs are bothersome, but the worst plumbing issue you can face is when there’s a main sewer line blockage. Here are five warning signs of a main sewer line blockage:
#1 Multiple backed-up drains
Check the following water fixtures:
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Bathtubs
- Showers
If more than one drain is gurgling, moving slowly, has water backing up, or smells bad, you most likely have a main sewer line clog.
#2 Sewage backup via other pipes
Even more annoying than a clogged toilet or slow drain, is when your toilets and wastewater start backing up into other pipes. For instance, when you run the washer, the water could come up in your kitchen sink. This quickly becomes a problem, as it makes your plumbing unusable, and can lead to unsanitary conditions.
In this case, you already have a blocked main sewer line. Since E&K Contractors offers 24-hour emergency service, we are available night or day.
#3 The constant need to plunge
If it seems you’re experiencing more toilet clogs than you used to, that’s an indication that the real problem might be further downstream in your drainage system. The same is true with the kitchen sink. Is it clogging or running slowly more often than it used to? The fact is that if there is one or more slow moving drains, that’s the best indicator that the source of the problem is a clogged sewer.
#4 Sewage in the floor drain
If the main sewer line is clogged, all the sewage and waste water sitting in the pipes must go somewhere. This means that eventually, it will force its way into a secondary drain.
#5 Drainage around the sewer clean out
Many property owners are not even aware of what a sewer clean out is. It’s a pipe that extends to the exterior of the home or building. It is available to be used by a plumber to clear out blockages in the main sewer line. They can also be located in the basement. If the sewer clean out is showing signs of drainage around it, this is another significant sign of a clog.
Problems with the main sewer line can be serious (not to mention costly), so it’s better to be safe than sorry – if you notice any warning sign, call us immediately. One benefit of having one of our professional plumbers tackle this tough job, is their ability to make a lasting repair that’s effective and keeps your place of business or home safe. Additionally, we can use video inspection and trenchless sewer repair that lets us find the cause of the main line clog and ensure it is thoroughly corrected with minimal disruption to your home.