Why Do I Have a Clogged Sewer Line?

Are you facing multiple clogs in your home, water coming back up through the drain, and wastewater overflowing? Clogged sewer lines can be a major problem for homeowners. While your first move might be to get a plunger, there may be more to your clog than a simple blockage. Learn why you may have a clogged sewer line and what you can do about it.

5 Steps to Prevent Clogged Drains and Sewer Lines

If you suspect you’re facing a clogged sewer line, you should contact a professional plumbing contractor like Rick’s Plumbing. At Rick’s Plumbing, we have experienced plumbers and equipment to successfully diagnose and resolve all types of clogged sewer lines. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and get your sewer lines flowing again. In the meantime, why do you have a clogged sewer line, and what you can do about it? 

Causes of Clogged Sewer Lines

Clogged sewer lines are one of the most common plumbing problems faced by homeowners. There are many things that could lead to a blocked line, such as foreign objects, tree roots, and collapsed pipes. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes:

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects are among the most common causes of a blocked sewer line. Items such as paper towels, sanitary products, and children’s toys can all end up down the drain and clog your sewer line. To avoid this, don’t flush anything that isn’t meant to be flushed down the toilet, and teach your children the same. You should also encourage your children to take their toys out of the bathroom before they drop them in the toilet.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are another common cause of clogged sewer lines. Trees have an incredible ability to seek out water, and they often grow roots into sewer pipes in order to get at it. Once inside, the roots can cause blockages by getting tangled up in the pipe or even breaking up the pipe. This problem is particularly common in older homes with aging drainage systems. If your home is surrounded by trees or shrubs, this could be the cause of your clogged sewer line. To avoid this issue, you should plant trees far away from your home and check your drainage system regularly.

Fats, Oil And Grease (FOG)

Don’t be deceived by the liquid appearance of FOG – it can solidify once it reaches colder temperatures, resulting in a blockage in your sewer line. To avoid this, never pour FOG down the drain and try to wipe away excess grease from dishes before washing them. Regular drain cleaning can also help to prevent FOG from accumulating in your sewer line.

Collapsed Pipes

Collapsed pipes are yet another cause of blockages in sewer lines. If you have an old, aging drainage system, there is a chance that it could collapse at any time. This would cause a complete blockage of the pipe, resulting in water backing up into your home and causing extensive damage.  Poorly installed pipes and soil shifting can also lead to the collapse of a pipe, resulting in a blocked line. To avoid this, make sure to get your pipes inspected regularly and take care of any repairs as soon as possible.

Poor Plumbing Connections

Your sewer line can also become clogged due to faulty plumbing connections. If the connection between the pipes is not tight enough, wastewater can escape and cause a blockage in your pipe. This problem is especially common in homes where unlicensed or inexperienced plumbers have worked on the drainage system. To avoid this problem, make sure to only hire experienced professionals for any work. Your safest option is to reach out to plumbing contractors with the proper licenses and certifications.

Symptoms of a Clogged Sewer Line

There are a few signs that you can look out for to determine if you have a clogged sewer line. Here are some of the most common ones:

Multiple Clogs

If multiple drains in your home are clogged, it could be a sign of a blocked sewer line. This is because all of the water from each drain would eventually need to pass through the same pipe. If a blockage occurs in this pipe, it would cause all of the drains to become clogged.

Gurgling Toilets

Another sign of a blocked sewer line is gurgling from your toilets after you flush them. This is due to air being trapped in the pipes, which can cause the water to gurgle. If this occurs, it’s a sign that there is likely something blocking your sewer line.

Foul Odors

If you detect an unpleasant smell coming from your drains, it could be another indicator of a blocked sewer line. This is due to waste and other materials building up in the pipe and emitting a foul odor. If you notice this issue, contact a professional for assistance as soon as possible.

Messy Yard

If you notice wastewater or sewage coming up through your yard, it’s likely that there is a blockage in your sewer line. This should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and health issues.

Frequent Plunging

If you find yourself having to use a plunger more often than usual, it could be another sign of a blocked sewer line. If multiple drains in your home require the use of a plunger at the same time, it’s likely that you have an issue with the main drain and should contact a professional for assistance.

Finally

If you suspect that you have a clogged sewer line, it’s best to reach out to an experienced plumbing contractor immediately. They will be able to identify the cause of the blockage and provide the proper solution. This can help to prevent further damage and keep your home’s drainage system functioning properly.

Rick’s Plumbing is Here to Help You With Your Plumbing Needs

Rick’s Plumbing is always ready to give you a hand with your plumbing problems. Our experienced team can identify the cause of your clogged sewer line and provide the appropriate solution. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at 203-874-6629 for all of your plumbing requirements. We offer a wide range of services, from drain cleaning and repair to installation and maintenance. Our goal is to provide you with quality services and outstanding customer service. We look forward to helping you with all of your plumbing needs!

203-457-3201