Since all home drains lead to the main sewer line, these clogs can be very dangerous. If the main sewer line becomes clogged, it can cause other drains to start backing up and causing sewage to come out of the drains. Left untreated, clogged drains and flooding water can cause major damage to your home, and require extensive restoration. So how exactly can you tell if you have a main sewer line clog?
Clogged Drains or Toilets
The most common sign of a main sewer line clog is a clogged drain or toilet. If your water is backing up, draining slowly, or you hear a gurgling noise coming from your drain, it could be a sign that water is backing up. Common items that cause clogging in toilets are certain types of toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and paper towels. To keep your toilets from clogging, avoid flushing these items.
Pressure
A clear warning sign of a clogged sewerage line is pressure in the pipes. When pipes become clogged, they create backup and pressure, which can eventually lead to cracks and bursts. Once a pipe cracks, it must be replaced; which is a very costly project. To avoid pressure buildup from clogs, 1-2 times a month, fill your sinks and tubs up to the top and then drain them. The pressure from the water will push through any waste in the pipes to clear them out.
Natural Causes
Natural causes such as tree roots growing into pipe lines can be a major cause of clogged sewer lines. If the roots are big enough, they can even crush the pipes. Tree roots are attracted to growing near sewer lines because they can soak up the moisture to help them grow. Another natural cause is dirt and soil settling. If the sewer lines are built on soil or dirt that has settled, it can cause dips or breakage in the lines.
The longer you wait to contact a cleanup or restoration professional, the more damage will occur to your property. If you do happen to run into a sewage backup problem, contact J. Brian Day for sewage damage services today! 888-435-7968