Very few major plumbing problems occur without a few warning signs.
With sewer line backups, it’s a gradual process that can take months or even years before it turns into an emergency. But when it finally hits, you’ll face one of the biggest messes you can have in your home.
Sewage is not only smelly and messy, but it can also be dangerous. Warning signs include:
Clogs in more than one fixture
If you have a clog in one fixture in your home, it’s usually a problem with that one line or appliance. But if you start noticing a problem with two or more fixtures, it could be a sign of a sewer line backup. Toilets are particularly affected by a sewer backup, as it is the largest drain in your home. Toilets have the the most direct line to the sewer; they rarely work properly if the sewer line is backed up. You may also notice problems with tubs and showers, as they have drains lower than your sinks.
Strange reactions when using fixtures
When a sewer line has a problem, it will cause multiple problems throughout your home. You may hear strange noises when you turn on a fixture, or have unexpected water flow in different rooms. Flush a toilet, and you may find the water not only doesn’t go down, but it may come up in a nearby tub or shower. Run the bathroom sink, and you may notice bubbles rising up in your toilet. These are all sure signs your sewer line is blocked and that you don’t have a problem with a single fixture in your home.
Main line clean out
If you have a main line clean out, you can verify sewer line trouble in another way. Open the clean out by unscrewing or pulling to remove the cap. Is there any sediment from wastewater buildup? There shouldn’t be water coming up the clean out pipe. If water is flowing out, it confirms you have a sewer line backup.
If you suspect problems with your sewer line, the faster you act, the better chance you have of catching the problem before disaster strikes. Nothing is worse than having to go through the restoration process because of raw sewage throughout your home.
Call R.S. Andrews for Sewer Service in Atlanta
Give us a call if you suspect a problem.