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Homeowners in Azle, TX, and beyond have probably dealt with a clogged toilet or toilet drain without knowing the root of the problem. You can resolve a majority of the issues with simple solutions, including plunging and pouring home-made solutions down the drain. However, it can be hard to determine a main sewer line clog unless you hire a professional plumber to investigate the issue. An undetected clogged sewer line can result in catastrophic problems in your entire home as opposed to predicaments resulting from one pipe.
Over time, debris can accumulate in your drain and block your sewer line entirely. If you do not deal with the situation, it can escalate into severe damage to your overall system further down the road. And with the sewer system being in charge of transporting waste from your household, you might have to deal with stenches and sewer backup that poses a safety hazard. Why not be on the lookout for these drain clog warning signs to avoid such problems?
Slow draining sinks
When you have a clogged sewer problem, the sinks and bathtubs may drain slowly or not at all. Various fixtures in your home may be affected by this problem, requiring an inspection from a plumber. For instance, you may run the washing machine, and the toilet overflows, or one of the sinks backs up. That is an ultimate sign of damage somewhere in the drainpipes. A clogged sewer line results in stagnant water in areas such as the shower or sink, and that may breed bacteria if you do not handle the situation on time. You may also notice gurgling sounds when flushing the toilet, which is a common sign of a blockage in the drain system.
An experienced plumber can resolve the problem by removing the blockage using industry-leading techniques. During winter, the issue may be persistent if the main sewer line pipes shift under continuous pressure and heave of the freeze-thaw process. However, modern pipes are made of hardened plastic that is hard to freeze, but damage can result from natural soil shifts and seasonal changes. That can cause a sewage backup through the sink or bathtub if you do not schedule regular sewer line inspection and maintenance services.
Blocked toilet
The constant need to plunge your toilet is an indication that the main sewer line could have an issue. Flushing feminine hygiene products can block the pipes leading to the main sewer line, and blockage results in sewage backup and a clogged toilet in the long run. Such items pose a danger to the sewer lines since they are not biodegradable. That is because they contain cotton and other fibers that have a tremendous capacity to clog and attract other blocking agents. The main sewer line pipes are mostly narrow hence large items cannot pass through.
It is wise to have a professional plumber guide you through the items to avoid flushing down your drain. Although the sewer treatment contains microorganisms that break down human waste, it can’t disintegrate all items. An indication that your toilet is about to clog is constant sewage back up accompanied by a foul smell. With regular maintenance services from a plumber, you can identify any underlying issues and get ahead of a possible disaster. Also, be on the lookout for “flushable” wipes since they can pose a threat to your sewer line.
Unexplained puddles in your backyard
Some homeowners may notice random paddles in their yard even when it has not rained. That may mean that the sewer line may have burst or there are clogged pipes causing water to drain from other channels. The water puddles mostly contain contaminated water, which can be harmful to your health. Pipe scale can also build up in the pipes and cause sewage backup in your backyard. In most cases, scale deposits usually result from dissolved calcium and magnesium left behind as wastewater flows. The scale begins to collect in one spot and attracts more until it grows to an obstructive size. That reduces the lifespan of the pipes hence making them more brittle and sensitive. When the pipes burst, the wastewater looks for other exit avenues, which may result in flooding.
Any breach in the plumbing pipes is an opportunity for roots, plants, and soil to invade, build, and end in blockage. Also, tree roots are among the leading causes of blockage and clogs in main sewer lines. The most common sign of a tree root invasion into the sewer is waste leakage. The tree roots tend to clog the pipes as they seek moisture from the wastewater. Excessive clogging can lead to the bursting of the pipes and subsequent leakage. In case you notice unexplained puddles in your backyard, hire a professional plumber to perform a thorough inspection of your sewer line for signs of clogging.
A foul odor from the drainage
A drainage system with a funky or musty smell is an indication that your sewer line has a clog or that whatever is causing the blockage doesn’t have a pleasant smell. You might notice that the stench gets stronger whenever you flush the toilet or pour water down the sink. That is because the sewer pipes are full of debris that emit a foul smell whenever you use any of your household fixtures. Additionally, the vent pipes which allow wastewater and gas to escape could have a severe clog. If a clog develops in the main stack due to excess debris, it can block the opening hence limiting the amount of fr