Three words that no one wants to hear – sewer line backup. A sewer line backup is not only messy, but also unsanitary, hazardous, and damaging to your property. However, if you can recognize the signs of sewer line issues, you can bring in professionals to clean your sewer lines in time to prevent a nasty disaster.
1. Multiple Clogs at Once
If you notice a single clog, like in your kitchen sink, it’s often just an isolated issue that can be resolved fairly easily. However, if you’re dealing with multiple clogs at the same time – for example, two or more toilets backing up – it’s a strong sign of a sewer line problem.
For property owners, multiple complaints from tenants about clogged drains or toilets should be treated as an urgent warning. In these cases, it’s essential to call a professional right away to inspect and clean the sewer lines. Ignoring the issue can quickly lead to unpleasant odors, costly water damage, and expensive repairs across multiple units.
2. Drains Are Slow
If you notice that your drains are slow, it’s probably a problem with your sewer line. It’s likely a blockage that has not yet fully blocked the line but is significant enough to slow down the drainage. If you don’t address the problem, a sewer line backup may be right around the corner.
3. Frequent Clogs
If you’re having frequent clogs, especially in multiple drains, the problem is probably originating in the sewer line. Don’t be fooled if you can clear the clogs with a plunger or chemical cleaner. Those are only temporary fixes, and the real problem is going to get worse.
4. Odd Plumbing Occurrences
If odd things start happening, like the shower drain overflowing when you flush the toilet, or the toilet bubbling when you use the sink, you have bigger problems on the horizon. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem, which may very well be a blocked sewer line.
5. Odor Coming from Drains
If you notice foul odors coming from toilets, showers, and sinks, it’s likely sewer gas. This requires immediate attention. Breathing sewer gas can cause a multitude of symptoms including coughing, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and more. If sewer gas levels are high, breathing it can even be fatal. Call a professional right away.
6. Gurgling Sounds
If you notice foul odors coming from toilets, showers, and sinks, it’s likely sewer gas. This requires immediate attention. Breathing sewer gas can cause a multitude of symptoms including coughing, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and more. If sewer gas levels are high, breathing it can even be fatal. Call a professional right away.
7. Water Backups
Water backups in your shower, sinks, or toilets are a clear sign that you have a sewer line blockage. This needs to be addressed immediately. These backups are what can lead to damage and unsanitary conditions.
Preventive Cleaning
Sewer line blockages are common, but they are preventable with regular sewer line cleaning. It’s much more cost effective to have your lines professionally cleaned annually than to deal with an expensive blockage.
The preferred method for cleaning is hydro jetting. Hydro jetting gives your plumbing pipes a deep cleaning with high-pressure water that is sprayed all around the inside of your pipes.
This doesn’t just clear blockages. It actually washes away grease, scale, tree roots, and years of buildup, leaving the pipe almost like new inside.
Some plumbing companies may just snake your line when you have a clog, but hydro jetting is much more effective and keeps your line cleaner for longer.
In Closing
Nobody wants to deal with a messy sewage backup. Understanding the signs can help to catch problems early, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having your lines cleaned annually can save you from headaches and costly repairs. The Licensed Master Plumbers at New York Plumbing Pros are ready to help with our sewer cleaning services. Give us a call today to learn more!
