3 Tell-tale Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

What do flat tires and faulty sewer lines have in common? In both instances, the problem will only get worse if ignored. Unfortunately, this can be a bitter pill to swallow for many homeowners. 

A clogged sewer line can lead to serious property damage, not to mention potential health issues and extremely unpleasant cleanup. Common signs of a blocked sewer line included slow drains, overflowing fixtures, and standing sewer water in the clean-out tank.

Signs that your sewer line needs to be repaired or replaced

If you’re having issues with your plumbing, it can be difficult to determine where your problem lies. Start by checking for these common signs of a clogged sewer line. 

  1. Your drains are backing up in more than one place. Have you noticed a gurgling sound coming from your toilets, bathtub, shower, or sinks? This is a telltale sign of a problem in your sewer line. Just as “All roads lead to Rome,” all plumbing leads to the sewer line. When the line has a clog, plumbing will flow up to the point of least resistance, resulting in backups in your drains.
     
  2. Water is overflowing into your fixtures. Worse than a gurgle in your drains, a more severe clog in the sewer line can result in overflowing water in your plumbing fixtures. This will likely occur in fixtures on the lower and main levels of the house first, so be sure to check in your basement and first-floor sinks, toilets, showers/tubs, and drains for overflow at the first sign of a sewer clog.

    Here are a few simple ways to check for overflow:
  • Flush the toilet to see if the water gurgles or bubbles, or if it comes up through the tub or shower drain.
  • Run the washing machine. If you notice water overflowing into shower drains or toilets, you have a clogged sewer line.
  • Turn on the sink in the bathroom and watch the toilet water. If the water level in the toilet bowl rises or bubbles, there’s a clog in the line.

3. The third (and most clear-cut) sign of a sewer line clog is standing sewer water in the clean-out tank. Your sewer clean-out is marked by a round lid made of either plastic or concrete. It should be clearly labeled “clean out.” To check for standing sewer water, remove the cap and inspect the basin. If unclean water is visible in the basin or coming from the clean-out pipe, there is a clog somewhere in the sewer line. 

Once you detect a clog, you should promptly turn off the main water supply to your home. This helps to prevent excess sewage water from flooding your property, which can result in major damage. Exposure to raw sewage can also result in harmful health hazards. If you suspect a clog in your sewer line, call a plumbing professional as soon as possible to avoid further issues.

Have your sewer line fixed in Northwest Houston

If any of these tell-tale signs sound familiar, it’s time to have your sewer lines inspected and repaired. At Rooter-Man Plumbers, we have the experience and equipment to handle all types of sewer line issues. Call us today at 281.351.4422.

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