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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 fresh air being circulated in the drainage system and causing a stench.

A clog may also develop elsewhere in the system and push through to the main vent stack. For instance, if you repeatedly flush grease down the kitchen drain, the gunk may travel to the soil stack and create a blockage. If the waste happens to break loose from the soil stuck, it ends up backing up into the main stack and restricts airflow. Get a skilled plumber in Azle, TX, to inspect, unclog, and clean out the main stack to eliminate odors as well as other plumbing problems.

Sewage backup

One of the most annoying issues you can deal with as a homeowner is sewage backup. When there is a block in the main sewer line, it causes the sewage system to become overloaded. That causes the waste to be pushed back into the home through the toilets, basement lines, or even showerheads leading to severe damage to your home and safety risk on health. Clogging can be a result of hair, grease, or debris accumulation. Gurgling noises from your toilet whenever you flush or drain water alludes to sewage backup. Ingesting the wastewater may result in diseases such as Salmonella, E. Coli, or Hepatitis A. The dirty water and sewage can also cause mold outbreaks and respiratory issues.

One way to prevent sewage backups is by replacing cast iron piping from the main sewer line with plastic equivalents that rarely get clogged. The replacement pipes also have impermeable joints that tree roots cannot penetrate. You can consider hiring a professional plumber to install a backwater prevention valve on the main sewer line to prevent sewage from finding its way back into your home. Also, ensure the plumber confirms that the sewer line is well connected to avoid unexpected blockage.

Gurgling sounds

Whenever you hear gurgling noises from places it shouldn’t come from, it is an indication that the drainage system is clogged and it might be time to call a plumber. The pipes leading to the main sewer line may be blocked, resulting in excess air bubbles hence the gurgling noises. The strange gurgling sounds could also be coming from your sink or toilet. Every drainage system must have a vent where unwanted gas can escape freely. In case the vents are blocked and filled with excess air, they make loud gurgling noises. The noises can accompany large air bubbles that indicate that the air is trying to escape. Vent pipes from the main sewer line are mostly open-ended, which means that debris may fall into them and clog them up. When they are clogged, the easiest way for air to escape is back through the drain line. You’ll want a professional plumber to call.

Gurgling noises from your bathroom plumbing can allude to P-trap issues, including damage or a lack of a P-trap resulting in poor drainage. A septic system blockage can also result in gurgling sounds, which may cause overflows and leaks on your property. Hire your local Azle, TX, plumber to utilize commercial-grade drain cleaning tools that knock out any obstruction in your lines and inspect the sewer lines for signs of blockage.

Drainage through the sewer cleanout

Sewer cleanouts are pipes extended to the exterior of your property and are useful in clearing out blockages in the main sewer line. Having a functional sewer cleanout enables you to keep the lines clear and drain water if a backup occurs. The sewer cleanout should not have any water in it, and the presence of excess moisture is a strong indication of blockage. In the event of a major clog, the sewer clean out serves as an external drain. If the sewer line is severely clogged, the wastewater finds an escape route via the cleanout pipes. Due to excess pressure, the pipes may end up bursting with time and drain through the cleanout pipes. The cleanout pipes also end up having a loose connection due to excess air from the clogged sewer lines.

Get a professional plumber to uncap the cleanout to drain the excess water and prevent sewage backup. Water drainage along the sewer cleanout may result in extensive damage to the pipes. The pipes can also end up getting corroded on the outer side if they are metallic, and plastic pipes can sustain damage after exposure to excess moisture for a long period. The sewer cleanout can become blocked after flashing non-degradable items down the drain. And with their narrow stature, they are at high risk of getting clogged. Therefore, it is crucial to schedule frequent draining sessions with your local plumber.

Sagging sewer lines

Also known as sewer line bellies, sagging sewer lines are sags or low spots that are mainly a result of sediment build-up. A conventional sewer lateral has a slight slope that utilizes gravity to help regulate the flow. A sewer line that is bellied is an indication of clogging that interferes with the normal flow of wastewater through the pipes. Improper installation of the pipes and poor planning is a leading cause of sagging sewer lines. Proper bedding compaction, quality materials, and correct slope are among the factors to consider during the installation of sewer lines. If not installed in good bedding, the soil may find its way into the pipes hence leading to clogging. Ensure that your plumber uses the correct material during sewer line installation, including larger grade gravel and sand, to prevent sagging. The sewer line should also have an accurate slope to ensure waste is moving correctly through the right channels.

A professional plumber near Azle, TX, is likely to use industry-leading equipment to facilitate suitable sloping during the plumbing installation process, thereby preventing excess build-up. Clogging as a result of flushing down non-degradable items also causes a build-up in the pipes, leading to sagging. To be able to diagnose the problem, a plumber will push a video camera through the drain pipes, take a close look at the entire sewer lateral, and identify and fix the issue.

Final Thoughts; Give us a call!

When it comes to the health of your plumbing system, look no further than the experts in the field. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth provides professional and reliable plumbing solutions in Azle, TX. Our team of highly-skilled plumbers goes through extensive training to become licensed to ensure we meet multiple plumbing needs. Do not hesitate to give us a call any time of the day or night in case you need professional plumbing services, and we will send a skilled and certified plumber straight to your doorstep.