A broken sewer line isn’t something you want to ignore. When left untreated, it can cause a lot of costly damage to your home.
Fortunately, Plumbing Express, Inc. has access to effective trenchless repair methods. If your sewer line is causing problems, there are several ways to have it fixed without disrupting your landscape or spending a fortune.
There are few household plumbing problems more dangerous or unpleasant than a sewer line clog. Since the clog means that raw sewage is backflowing into your home, it’s essential to take care of it as quickly as possible. If you catch the clog early, it’s also much easier to fix. Read on to learn about some of the most common signs that your main sewer line is clogged.
Slow-Draining Fixtures
If one or more of your drains are taking a long time to drain, it may be a sign that the main sewer line has a clog. In this case, you should shut off the water supply to your entire home so that no one accidentally runs more water into the system. Then, call a plumber or drain specialist to remove the clog.
Toilets are the most common source of sewer line clogs.
A clogged toilet is a clear sign that there’s a problem with your sewer line. This is because the toilets have the most direct route to the sewer line. If the clog is in your house’s plumbing, it will affect all of your toilets at once, and they’ll all start flushing slowly or backing up.
In most cases, a clog in your main sewer line is caused by non-flushable items that enter the plumbing system. Things like cotton swabs, baby wipes, and sanitary products don’t break down in the pipes, so they accumulate inside and eventually block the line. Other causes of clogs include grease, thick chemicals, and tree roots.
You’ll need to find your main sewer line cleanout location, which is usually a large pipe with a cap on the end of it located in your basement or near your front yard. Then, you’ll need a sturdy pipe wrench to loosen the cap and a plumbing auger with a heavy-duty suction head. You can rent these tools at most hardware stores.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary tools, turn off your home’s water so that you don’t accidentally make the clog worse. Then, carefully remove the cap from your sewer cleanout and begin working on the clog.
Foul Odors
If you catch a whiff of foul-smelling sewage in your home, it is an obvious sign that your plumbing is in trouble. Sewage smells hint at problems with your drain clogs, the sewer line, or even your septic tank. If you ignore these warning signs, you could be facing a serious plumbing emergency.
Foul odors can be a sign that the water in your home is contaminated with bacteria and other harmful substances. These contaminants may have entered your home from the drains, the toilet, or the septic tank. If you notice these unpleasant smells, you should call a professional plumber immediately.
Most foul odors from your drains stem from food, hair, grease, and other gunk that lines your pipes. This gummy gunk can also attract bacteria that release foul odors. The resulting rotting waste can cause a serious pipe leak that requires professional attention.
In other cases, a strong sewage smell is the result of an empty P-trap. This happens when a sink drain or other drain does not see regular use, causing the water in the P-trap to evaporate over time. When this occurs, the trap will allow sewer gases to enter your home. These gases smell like rotting sewage and are not healthy to breathe.
If a sewage smell is coming from a bathroom or other drain, check to see if the p-trap has dried out. Often, all you need to do is run some water down the drain to refill it. This will help flush the drain, removing any gunk or bacteria and eliminating the sewage odor.
Lastly, a foul odor from your sink or shower can indicate that the p-trap is filled with mineral deposits or other hardened debris that has accumulated over time. This can be resolved by running hot water down the drain for about two hours. After this, pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain, followed by 1/4 cup of baking soda. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before running a second cup of hot water down the drain.
A sewage smell from your toilet is usually caused by a broken or clogged toilet drain. You can try using a plunger or other drain cleaning tools to clear the blockage, but if this fails, it is probably best to contact a professional plumber. A plumbing pro can use an auger to cut through the roots and clear the clogged drain.
Slow Drains
A slow drain is one of those plumbing problems that sneaks up on you. At first, it’s just an annoyance, but if you ignore it long enough, it can turn into a complete blockage that affects the whole sink and perhaps even your entire home. The key is to catch the problem early by addressing it with at-home solutions that are quick and cheap or by scheduling professional plumbing service before the situation worsens.
A clog in your kitchen or bathroom can be caused by food scraps, hair, soap scum, and more. If you can identify the cause of your clog, you may be able to clear it by pouring drain cleaning chemicals or using a DIY method like a plunger or snake. However, if the clog is deeper than the drain or pipe, it will require more extensive work by a plumber.
If the clog is in your main sewer line, you’ll likely notice that all drains in your house begin to slow down. Toilets are the most common place to notice this, as they’re directly connected to the sewage line. The clog may also be accompanied by gurgling sounds or by water backing up into drains and toilets.
When a main line clog occurs, it’s important to call in a plumber right away. They’ll be able to use a variety of tools and methods to clear the clog in your sewer line, including professional-grade machine augers or a sewer hydrojet. They can also repair any cracks or leaks in the pipe that allow debris to enter.
A slow drain is more than an annoyance; it’s an early warning sign that something serious could be happening with your plumbing system. If you see a slow drain, give us a call so we can send a plumber to your Oneida, NY, home to check out your pipes and drains and assess the damage. Our certified plumbers will provide an honest assessment of what kind of plumbing repair is needed to get your drains flowing properly again. We’ll walk you through your options so that you can decide what solution is best for you and your budget.
Water Damage
The constant flow of sewage and waste can wear down pipes over time, creating cracks or holes. When these issues occur, water can seep into your property and cause serious damage in a short amount of time. If you’re experiencing these problems, it’s crucial to call for a sewer repair as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more expensive and extensive the damage will be.
A quality plumber will use a digital camera to inspect the line’s condition and pinpoint any cracks, blockages, or collapsed sections. This will help them determine whether a sewer line replacement or spot repair is the best option for your home.
Pipe replacement is typically the recommended course of action when the line is beyond repair due to extensive damage. This process involves digging a trench in your yard to locate and replace the damaged section of the pipe. If there are any trees or other obstacles in the way, they’ll need to be removed before excavation can begin. This invasive process can also cause damage to your sidewalks, driveways, or landscaping.
Fortunately, there are some methods that can reduce the amount of work and time needed for sewer line replacement. Trenchless technology allows for less invasive repairs that avoid costly excavations. These tools can quickly and efficiently find the damaged section of pipe and remove it, making for a quicker and less expensive repair project.
In some cases, a complete line replacement may be necessary. This is often the case if there are multiple cracks or holes in the line, as well as extensive root damage. Replacing the entire line can be more cost-effective in the long run because it will prevent future damage and repairs.
While sewage backups are unpleasant, the worst kind of water damage is caused by contaminated sewage. Sewage-contaminated water is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe illness or even death. This type of water damage requires a specialized restoration company that uses advanced drying and dehumidifying techniques to get the moisture out and restore the affected areas. The restoration company will also ensure the area is safe and sanitary before leaving.