At some point, every homeowner experiences a clogged drain, and many times, a simple plunging can correct the issue. Occasionally, however, buildup within your home’s plumbing system can result in a severe drain clog that does not respond to a quick plunge. Unfortunately, this is often a sign of a clogged main sewer line, and unless promptly handled, the issue will only get worse. At Drain Blaster Bill’s, we’re here to keep your plumbing functioning as smoothly as possible. If you notice any of the following signs of a sewer backup, it’s time to give us a call.
What Causes Sewer Line Backups?
Main sewer drain clogs develop slowly as debris accumulates within your plumbing. Over time, hair, waste products, food, toilet paper, grease, and various other items slowly converge to form a pipe obstruction. When that obstruction becomes large enough, it prevents water from flowing through the pipe and away from your home. The result? Backed up water and waste in one or more drains throughout your house.
Your home has two plumbing systems: one that brings fresh water in, and one that drains wastewater away. Think of your plumbing like a tree—the drains from your sink, shower, laundry, etc. are the small branches that stem from the main trunk, or your main waste line.
As water drains away from the small “branches” of your sink, shower, etc., it flows toward the main “trunk” line. But when there’s a clog in the main line, it cannot accept additional water flow. Unknowingly, you continue to use your drains, which causes water to back up into the various “branch” lines that attach to the fixtures around your home.
● Your Toilet Doesn’t Flush Normally
If your toilet does not flush readily or clogs frequently, you may be dealing with a backed up main sewer line. If water backs up into your shower when you flush the toilet, you definitely have a main sewer line issue. In either case, you should contact a professional drain cleaner to perform a camera drain inspection to locate the source of the problem. If it’s a main sewer line clog, your drain will require professional water jetting or drain snaking to correct the issue.
● Your Sink Doesn’t Drain
If you’re running the faucet in one sink, and another drain backs up elsewhere in your home, this may be a sign of a clogged main sewer line. When the main sewer line cannot accept additional water flow from your fixtures, water can eventually back up into your sinks. If you clean out your sinks’ P-traps, and the issue persists, it’s time to call in a professional drain cleaning technician.
● You Have Standing Water in the Shower
Most people assume standing water in the shower is a result of a shower drain clog, and many times, they’re correct. Occasionally, however, water can back up into your shower when your main sewer line is clogged. If water backs up while you’re showering, the issue is likely isolated to your shower drain. If, however, you notice standing water in the shower after you flush any of the toilets in your home, you likely have a main sewer line clog. In either case, you’ll require a camera drain inspection to locate the issue and water jetting or drain snaking to clear the obstruction.
● Your Drains Smell Unusually Offensive
Does your bathroom sink drain suddenly smell unusually foul? If so, you may have a dry or compromised P-trap—the u-shaped part of the pipe that prevents sewer odors from wafting up through your drain. If you run water through the P-trap, then detach and clean it, and the foul odor is still present, this may be a sign of a sewer drain clog. You may also notice additional signs of a sewer clog in nearby fixtures such as your shower or toilet. Contact a drain cleaning service for a camera drain inspection to locate the source of the problem.
● Your Floor Drain is Backed Up
Your floor drain is typically located in your basement or downstairs utility area. During construction, building code requires the installation of this type of drain to prevent water accumulation downstairs. Unfortunately, though, when your sewer drain clogs, waste can back up in your pipes, eventually bubbling up through the drain and collecting on your floor.
Because all wastewater eventually flows to your main drain and sewer line, and your floor drain is the lowest drain in your plumbing system, if there’s a clog, water can accumulate rapidly. If your home doesn’t have a main drain, you may notice backups in your downstairs tubs or sinks. Unexplained moisture on your basement or downstairs floors is typically a sign of a sewer backup, which must be handled promptly. To avoid floor damage or more extensive plumbing damage, contact a drain cleaning professional as soon as possible.
Professional Sewer and Drain Cleaning in the Twin Cities
If you believe you’re on the verge of main sewer drain clog, it’s time to call the experts at Drain Blaster Bill’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning. Your satisfaction is our highest priority, and to that end, we provide industry-leading service and advanced cleaning tools to ensure we do the job right the first time—every time. We specialize in all types of residential and commercial drain cleaning and would be honored to make you our next satisfied customer. To learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at 763-913-8719 or feel free to message us on our contact page. If you’re ready to get started, feel free to request your free estimate!