If you have clogged sewer lines, chances are you’ll be noticing issues in other parts of your system before it becomes obvious exactly what the issue is. Because there’s going to be some specific signs there’s something going on internally before you realise the issue is a blockage in your sewer line.
With that in mind lets find out what these signs will likely be.
Multiple Fixtures Draining Slowly Simultaneously
One single slow draining drain isn’t the result of a single clog. But the product of multiple blockages from different rooms that’s caused by something else entirely.
If you’re fighting with all of your drains clearing slowly and taking longer to empty than usual, its time to look downstream and take your investigations to the sewer as there’s likely a blockage that’s stopping free flowing movement as you need it.
Your Toilet Gurgles When Other Drains Run
This is a very specific kind of problem to have but it also is a sign that water is being displaced to the only place it can find. If your washing machine is finishing its cycle or your dishwasher is draining and your toilet is gurgling as these processes run though then the water that is being drained is likely pushing air backwards meaning coming out the toilet trap is the only place it can go. If this is a regular occurrence it really needs checking as it’s highly likely you have a clogged main sewer line.
Wet or Unusually Green Patches Over The Sewer LIne Outside
This will be a pretty obvious sign if you know what you’re looking for.
If your grass is unusually greener, softer, or soggier than usual, then the lawn around the path of the sewer line is absorbing waste that is leaking into the soil.
This could be a sign that there is a split or a crack in the pipe, allowing the waste to seep out into the surrounding ground. It might be from a root intrusion of a significant buildup that puts too much pressure on the pipe, causing it to crack. If this is the case, then you need an expert to get into the pipe. This usually involves the use of a camera for a full inspection so they can see exactly what is going on to repair it properly.
A Sewage Smell Inside The House
If you have a persistent sewage odor within your home, particularly in lower-level bathrooms or around your floor drains, maybe the laundry area, this is a clear sign that wastewater or sewer gas is moving through the main sewer line.
OK to break this down (or not as the case may be), each fixture has a P-trap that holds water to block gas from entering the house. When the main line is restricted and pressure builds, that seal becomes compromised. And if you have a smell emanating from a dry P-trap and it’s not going away, then you need to get the main line checked out to find out why this is happening.
