How to Recognize Main Sewer Line Clog

Sewer line clogs can cause significant damage in a home

What do you know about a sewer line? You were probably like me. We flush the stool and the problems goes away! That is all you may know. However there are problems that can occur underground with some tale tale signs...one being the smell.

Usually when you smell your sewer it is probably to late. Your may line may be clogging. If left untreated you can end up paying much more that you can imagine.

If you understand the signs of sewer backup then you will be ahead of the game. Here are some tips that could save you thousands of dollars.

SEARCH THE LIST: Need a contractor to examine or repair your sewer line? Search Angie's List to find a plumber near your area.

Clogged drain or toilet

We all may have experienced backups in our drains.You may see water coming out of the bath tub or we hear gurgling sounds coming from with in the drains. Not a good sign. Sewer main cleaners says this type of sign will need immediate attention to prevent a very expensive plumbing job. 

Your house has a mind of it own. For instance. You wash your close in the washing machine and when the wash is done the stool starts letting out signs like it is preparing coffee. This is a sign of a major clog manifesting.

There are main lines and secondary lines that can be clogged.

Signs of The Clogged Sewer Line   

Watch closely for these signs of a blocked sewer line before you pay premium prices for repairs. 

• Your drains are all running slowly, despite your best efforts to clear them. If you've tried all of the DIY unclogging tips on this list and you still can't seem to find a fix, it's likely the blockage is in your sewer line.
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• Several plumbing fixtures are clogged at the same time. If your toilets, kitchen sink and tub or shower are all backed up, you probably have a clogged sewer line. Toilets have the most direct route to the sewer, as well as the biggest drain line. If the clog is in your sewer line, you're likely to experience trouble with your toilets first. If your toilets are working fine while other fixtures in your home are still slow to drain or are backed up entirely, you probably don’t have a stoppage in your main sewer line.
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• When you flush the toilet, water backs up into or comes up in the tub or shower. When your sewer line is clogged, the water can’t go down the drain. Instead, it flows back up the pipes and comes out at the lowest point — usually the shower drain.
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• When you run water in the bathroom sink, the toilet bubbles and gurgles. The bubbling is due to air trapped in the plumbing system. Run the water in the sink closest to the toilet for about a minute. If the toilet bubbles (gurgles) or the water level in the toilet rises, you may have a clogged sewer line.
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• When your washing machine drains, the toilet overflows or water backs up in the tub or shower. If the toilets are still flushing fine, you probably don’t have a blocked sewer line.

Is it Time for a Plumber?

You may have tried alot of DYI on your own. However, this may not be enough. If you keep getting backups you may want to try a professional at this job. Search for a professional plumber near you.