Do you have an odor and problem in your home? Find out why sewage is coming up in your sewer system and what you can do about it! Discover helpful solutions on our blog – get your home back to normal in no time!
Is your bathtub or kitchen sink full of dirty water?
Clogged pipes are a tell-tale sign of a clogged sewer: if wastewater isn't directed to the sewer or septic tank, the flow will reverse. This means it gets into toilets, bathtubs and drains.
A clogged sewer not only poses a plumbing problem but also poses a serious health problem as the wastewater contains harmful microorganisms and bacteria.
Of course, your DIY hacks will clear the clog for now, but you need to address the root cause of the problem. Otherwise, clogged pipes will occur again and again, which will damage the foundation of your property over time.
Unless you are a certified plumber, you will not know the causes of sewage backup in your pipe and how to fix the clogged sewer line. But no worry ; This guide will help you identify sewer line blockages and fix them by trying a few simple things. So let's get down to business!
SIGNS YOUR SEWER LINES ARE CLOGGED
Clogs don't happen overnight; Rather, they are caused by materials that get stuck in sewer pipes over time. Identifying clogged sewer lines is challenging, especially if you don't know the basics of plumbing.
Signs of a clogged sewer line include:
1. GURGLING DRAINS
A normally functioning drain doesn't make any strange noises, so gurgling noises coming from your sink or toilet indicate that the sewer line is clogged.
2. MIGRATING WASTEWATER
Sewage leaking into other drains in the home is also a warning sign that your sewer lines are clogged. Most often you'll probably notice it after flushing the toilet or doing laundry.
3. WATER DRAINING SLOWLY
Sometimes you are doing household chores like washing utensils and water collects in the sink and drains very slowly or overflows. Homeowners often don't notice that water is draining slowly, but it indicates that something is wrong with the sewer line.
4. FREQUENT CLOGS
If the clog problem is widespread, something is blocking your sewer lines. Using a snake auger or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can clog them, but the clogs will recur after a while unless you remove the buildup in the main sewer line.
WHY IS THERE SEWAGE IS COMING UP THROUGH MY DRAINS: THE ROOT CAUSE
Various factors can cause wastewater to back up into your home's sewer system. Here is a brief overview of the five elements that can prevent water from flowing into the main sewer or septic tank.
1. GREASE
Most homeowners unintentionally pour grease down the kitchen drain when washing utensils or cooking food without realizing the damage it can cause to the plumbing.
The grease tends to float on the water at first, but after a while it settles on the top of the pipe. When more grease and grease is poured into the kitchen sink, it clogs the pipe and prevents water from draining.
2. HAIR
Hair is another reason for broken sewer lines. When family members shower, many strands of hair slip down the drain but do not end up in the sewer system.
Because hair flows through bathroom drains every day, accumulated strands of hair form large clumps of soap residue that prevent the water from draining. The same goes for pet hair, so a drain cover may be a better choice.
3. GARDEN DEBRIS
Trees in your yard can also be responsible for blocking sewer lines as leaves, dirt, rocks, tree roots, and branches can end up in the yard drain. Even rodents can clog sewer lines by building nests of mud and sticks, preventing water from flowing through drains and causing sewer backups.
4. FOOD SCRAPS
Just like grease, most homeowners wash leftover food down the drain when washing dishes. Typically, these food particles get stuck in the drainpipe under the sink, where over time they become a smelly mess and clog the drain.
5. FOREIGN OBJECTS
Causes of pipe blockages include sanitary napkins, toilet paper, toys, jewelry, bar soap, and wet wipes. Every time these foreign objects are flushed down the drain, they become lodged in the pipes, preventing water from flowing into the sewer system.
EASY WAYS TO UNCLOG THE SEWER LINE
1. SHUT OFF THE WATER SUPPLY
If you notice a blockage in the sewer line, the first thing you should do is turn off the water supply. Any additional water that flows down the drain will make the sewer line problem even worse.
You can usually find the main stopcock in the basement of your home. For homes with an external sewer line, unclogging the blockage will allow wastewater to flow down the drain.
2. INSPECT VENT PIPES
Clogged vent pipes also prevent water from flowing down the drain. The next thing to do is inspect them. Go to the roof of your home, look for the pipes and see if there is a blockage. If they are clogged, use a recovery tool to unclog the pipes.
3. USE DRAIN SNAKES
Drain snakes help clear clogs in the sewer line by “snaking” along the toilet line. First turn it clockwise, then counterclockwise and remove it carefully to avoid damaging the toilet bowl.
4. CALL PROFESSIONALS
Even after using a drain snake, your sewer line will remain clogged; It would be best to contact professionals. Professional plumbers are trained people who can pinpoint the cause of blockages and have advanced equipment to clean sewer pipes in the best possible way.
DON’T FLUSH YOUR PROBLEMS AWAY: CONSEQUENCES OF WHY SEWAGE IS COMING UP
Sewer line blockages are a nuisance for all homeowners, but like other plumbing system problems, they require immediate attention.
Since plumbing pipes are complicated, it is best to avoid resorting to DIY work to unclog the sewer pipe. The slightest mistake can lead to serious damage. Therefore, it is best to consult a professional.
The experts at Bannister Plumbing & Air are the best people to call when you need a plumber in Jacksonville, Tyler, and Athens, Texas. Thanks to our many years of experience, expertise and a range of modern tools, we can quickly locate and resolve the cause of the problem. Call us today to speak to a member of our friendly team!
