From gurgling toilets to foul odors, a clogged sewer line can be a big disruption to your home’s plumbing. If you’re dealing with multiple slow drains in your home, it could signal a main line blockage. We’ll explore some common signs of a main sewer line clog and what to do about them, as well as when to call for professional drain clearing in Macon, GA.
What It Means When Multiple Drains Are Slow in Your Home
Multiple slow drains can be a sign of a serious plumbing problem — specifically, a clogged main sewer line. Your home’s sewage system functions like a tree, with many smaller branching drain lines connecting to the main sewer line. When a clog disrupts the main line, all the smaller branches are at risk of backing up.
Common Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog
Strange drain noises and unusual smells? Your pipes may be talking to you. Explore these common signs of a clogged drain to determine whether you may have a main line sewer clog.
Foul sewer smells
Strong sewer odors are a common sign of a main sewer line clog. If you notice the smell coming from only one appliance such as the toilet, it may be a smaller issue such as a broken p-trap. However, a persistent sewer odor, especially if it’s coming from your sink or shower drain, often means a main sewer line clog.
Gurgling drains
While toilets can make many sounds when they flush, a gurgling noise usually indicates a clog. If it’s local to the toilet drain you may be able to solve the issue with a plunger, but a clog deeper in the sewer line needs a professional fix.
Slow drains
When your sink, bath, or shower is slow to drain, suspect a partial clog. This can quickly escalate into a full clog that prevents any drainage. When multiple drains are slow, this is a strong indication of a main line clog.
Clogged Drain vs. Main Line Sewer Clog
Many signs of a main line sewer clog are similar to individual drain line clogs — for example, gurgling drains, bad smells, and slow drainage. However, the severity and frequency can indicate the difference between a smaller clog and a main line clog.
Several backed-up drains
One key sign of a main line clog is when you’re noticing multiple backed-up drains. If you notice that your sink, toilet, and shower are all struggling to drain properly, this is a good sign of a main sewer line clog.
Problems with the floor drain
Most modern homes have a floor drain, usually located in your basement or somewhere on the lower floor. When the main sewer line clogs, the pressure buildup can force sewage into the most closely available drain — in most cases, this is the floor drain. You may notice a sewer odor or even sewage coming up from the drain.
Water backup in unexpected places
While the floor drain is the most common place for water back-up, it’s not the only spot it can happen. A clogged main line can sometimes lead to wastewater flowing up out of sinks, toilets, and showers when you’re using a different water appliance. You may find that water comes out of the shower drain when you flush the toilet, or out of the sink drain when you use the washing machine or dishwasher.
What Causes a Clogged Main Sewer Line?
There are a variety of items that can damage your plumbing and contribute to a clogged main sewer line.
Clogged debris
Your drains carry a wide mix of items through your pipes, from standard flushables like toilet paper to grease, oil, and soap scum. Over time, some of these things can stick to the inside of pipes and trap other items, creating a clog.
A clogged main sewer line is more likely if non-flushable items end up in your sewer. This includes wipes, paper towels, and other non-biodegradable items. Pouring oils, fats, and grease down the sink can also increase the likelihood of a clog.
Old or damaged pipes
If you have an older sewer system, there’s a higher chance that wear and tear could be the cause of a sewer backup. When pipes crack or sag, they can become bent out of shape and trap debris, creating a clog. Corroded or leaking pipes may also allow external debris to enter the line, creating even more issues.
Tree roots
Tree roots naturally seek out water in their environment. If your sewer line has a small leak, tree roots can grow towards this and crush the pipes. If the leak is large enough, the tree roots may actually enter the pipes and grow inside, creating a clog that blocks the main sewer line.
What to Do if You Suspect a Main Line Blockage
If you suspect you have a main line sewer clog, try these troubleshooting steps to diagnose the issue.
Step one: Inspect the drain
The first step is to conduct a basic inspection of your drain and see if you can detect any problems. If there’s a local drain clog, shining a flashlight down the drain may show you the cause of the problem.
Step two: Try a plunger or hot water
Depending on the severity of the clog, you can try clearing it with a plunger or by pouring hot water down the drain. This may work for partial clogs that still allow for some drainage. However, if your drain is fully backed up, flooding, or has sewage present, avoid pouring hot water into the drain as this may cause further flooding.
Troubleshooting tip: while a plunger or drain snake may be able to help with a clog, these tools also come with a risk of damaging your drain. If the clog is severe or if you don’t feel comfortable using these tools, it’s better to call a pro.
Step three: Call for professional plumbing
A main line sewer clog requires professional tools and expertise to fix. If you’ve inspected your drains and determined that it’s not a local clog, it’s best to call for a plumber who can use a sewer camera to find the clog and fix the issue without damaging your plumbing system.
Call Ricky for Main Line Sewage Repairs in Macon, GA
If a backed up sewer drain is slowing you down, we have the solution. At Ricky Heath, our team of licensed pros is on hand to fix all your plumbing problems, from broken pipes to clogged main lines. Contact us today to book your plumbing inspection or drain cleaning service and we’ll make sure every drain in your home is flowing smoothly.
