Signs of Bad Sewer Lines in Your Picturesque Neighborhood

As a homeowner, you know the basic function of the various systems in your home. You also understand that the sewer line is responsible for transporting waste water away from your home to the underground sewer main. Beyond that, however, you may not give much thought to the sewer lines present until some type of clog occurs.

Unfortunately, a clog in the main sewer line can affect your home, as well as your neighbors. In the long run, it may result in raw sewage backing up into the pipes and coming out of your drains. If you get to know the signs of a problem and take action early on, you can prevent serious damage and health concerns.

A Clogged Toilet or Drain

One of the most common red flags, according to professionals, is when water backs up in your toilet or drain. You may also notice a gurgling sound coming out of the drains. If you begin to notice that your toilets begin to percolate after the washing machine is done, then it is a sign of a serious issue.

A clog can occur in the main sewer line, or in one of the secondary lines. In either case, it can lead to serious, hazardous problems that need to be dealt with right away.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are the main cause of a sewer line that is clogged, especially when it comes to older homes. For newer homes, the most common sources of a clog include paper towels or disposable wipes, thicker toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. Some of the signs the issue may be a tree root include slow moving drains and gurgling sounds from the toilet. If you don’t take action and call the professionals for help, then you may have to deal with a total block in your sewer line, which can require an extensive amount of work to fix.

Releasing the Pressure

If you notice a clog in your home’s drains or toilet and water is overflowing, then you should shut the water off at the main. If you have access to your sewer cleanout line, which is usually a round, short white pipe that has a rubber cap and located near the house, you can remove the cap to release the buildup of pressure and send the water outside, rather than into the home. It is imperative to call for professional help after doing this to find the source of the problem.

Being informed and knowing the signs of a problem is the best way to know when you should call for professional help. The professionals will be able to find the underlying issue and ensure it is fixed in a timely manner.