An obstruction in the sewer affects nearly all the plumbing fixtures in your home. And if it gets bad enough, sewer and drain blockage can lead to clogged drains and raw sewage backing up out of your drains. This is not only hazardous, but it can be very costly as well.
You should know the telltale signs of a sewer or drain clog. However, clearing a blocked sewer is usually not a job you can do yourself. It takes a plumbing professional like Kentwood Water Restoration to tackle a sewer and drain blockage leak repair.
The most common signs of a sewer drain clog are water backing up out of a basement floor drain or out of the toilet plumbing. You may also hear a gurgling sound coming from the drains. There are some things you can be aware of to troubleshoot:
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Flush your toilet. If you see water gurgling up out of your tub or shower drain when you flush, that means water is trying to leave but is being blocked by a sewer line clog.
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Use your washing machine. Does your shower drain start to overflow with water? Or does your toilet start to percolate? Again, this means water is trying to leave, but a clog is blocking it, forcing it to go elsewhere.
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Run your bathroom sink, and if your toilet water rises or bubbles up, you may have a sewer line clog.
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If you have more than one clogged drain in your house, the problem is likely in your sewer or in a branch drain line.
Tree roots are a leading cause of a clogged sewer line, especially in older homes. In newer homes, common sources of clogging include feminine hygiene products, paper towels and baby wipes. Slow-flowing drains and gurgling noises from your toilet are the first signs that your sewer system is clogged by tree roots. A complete sewer line block can occur if you don’t take care of the issue immediately.
If you have a clogged drain and suspect that a blocked sewer drain is the cause, it’s important to stop putting water into the drains. Stop using sinks and toilets if it’s a main line clog.
Homeowners who have access to their sewer cleanout access port (usually a short, round, white pipe with a screw-on cap located in the yard near the house), can remove the cleanout cap to release pressure and help send excess water outside instead of into the house. This should only be done on a temporary basis.
A plumbing professional can run a main line cable, also known as a drain snake, auger or Kentwood Water Restoration, through the clog to clear it. Be aware that it takes an experienced technician to do a thorough job.
If the drain is still backing up, it may be time for a video camera inspection. A Kentwood Water Restoration camera inspection will show you if the problem is inside the house or out in the yard, and our technician can recommend the next course of action.
When your plumbing fixtures fail, or if you are in need of sewer and drain blockage leak repair, the professionals at Kentwood Water Restorationhave the expertise. And if you experience flooding, contact us for water damage cleanup and repair.
