Running Pipes, and More!

Your sewer line is a vital part of your residential plumbing system. Without it, you'd have no way of directing the wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system or your septic system for disposal and treatment.

Although sewer lines work reliably when installed and maintained correctly, several factors, including age, damage, and neglect can cause them to fail. Knowing the symptoms of sewer trouble is essential for avoiding the inconvenience and damage that a faulty sewer line can cause. It also helps prolong the life of your sewer pipes, delaying the need for an expensive sewer line replacement.

With that said, make sure you act quickly if you notice the following sewer trouble warning signs.

Blocked Drains

It's not uncommon for homeowners to experience blocked drains in their homes. Your drains may become clogged because you haven't cleaned them in a while or you're guilty of sending clog-producing materials down your plumbing fixtures, including the sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers.

To determine if you're having sewer trouble, check if the problem affects specific areas of your home or the entire home.

For example, if your toilet overflows when you flush it but the sinks, tubs, and showers are draining efficiently, chances are that you only require a toilet unblocking service. If you're having drainage problems with the drains throughout your home, you might be facing sewer blockage. 

Sewer Backup

If you see wastewater coming out of your floor drains in your entire house, chances are that your sewer line is clogged. The smelly water that gets released into your home can cause significant damage and make the dwelling inhabitable if not combatted immediately. 

Sewer Gas Odor

Your domestic plumbing has a plumbing vent pipe that works together with your drain pipes, except it doesn't carry waste and water. Its primary job is to regulate airflow to ensure foul-smelling sewer gasses are directed outdoors. 

If your house smells like sewage and you don't see any questionable water coming out of your floor drains, that's a strong indication that the plumbing vent pipe isn't doing its job. Sewer line blockages can inhibit the efficient release of sewer gasses into the home's exterior environment via the vent pipe, leading to sewer gas exposure indoors.

If you don't want to experience the inconvenience and expenses associated with sewer line failure, you shouldn't ignore any signs of sewer trouble. Contact a residential plumbing service near you if you suspect your home's sewer line is failing.