What are the signs of a blocked or broken sewer line? Unlike a common clog of a toilet or sink, a sewer line can wreak havoc on a family. The sewer line is the main pipe that connects all your drains to the municipal sewer system. If it gets blocked, then all the drains in your home can potentially back up. Under severe conditions, toilets can back up raw sewage onto your bathroom floors. Sewer line failures usually occur in older homes. Knowing the difference between a blockage or a broken line is important because there is a significant difference in the cost of repair.
Your Public Utilities Will Help You Find Your Sewer Line
Sewer line maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the property owner but end when the property line meets the street. Beyond the street, the responsibility falls on the public utilities in your area. Finding your sewer line can also be a challenge; in some cases, you can locate it by following your cleanout. Some major cities can also help you locate your sewer line. If you’re experiencing sewage coming out of your cleanout it should be addressed immediately. Make sure your water is turned off and clean up any raw sewage by using dirt or cat litter. Contain the spill using sandbags. Call a licensed plumber immediately!
What Are The Signs That My Sewer Lines Are Blocked?
The clear sign that your sewer line is blocked is slow-moving drains. If more than one drain is moving slowly, then don’t procrastinate get your line checked. Your licensed plumbing contractor can run a camera inspection of your drain to identify the problem. The leading cause of a blocked sewer line is cooking grease and tree roots. Making sure that only the right things go down your drains will eliminate the aggravation of a sewage backup in the future.
Never Flush or Pour Down Your Drain:
- Flushable Baby Wipes
- Grease, fat, and oils
- Flushable Kitty Litter
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Coffee grounds
- Household Fluids
- Rubber or Plastics
- Cotton Balls and Paper Towels
- Medication
Once your drains start moving slowly, there is no turning back. Clearing the obstruction is the only alternative.
What Are The Signs That My Sewer Line Is Broken
Clearing a slow-moving sewer line is much easier than repairing a broken line but in both cases, clearing them and repairing them is the only alternative. In some instances, you may not know your line is broken and for some time, the sewage leaks into your yard. After a period of time, a saturated area of your lawn may appear lush green compared to the other parts of your lawn. You may even smell raw sewage. These are all indicators that your sewer line is broken and a repair is imminent.
What About Tree Roots?
The slightest fracture of your pipe will invite a tree root to enter your pipe. Once the root enters your pipe, they live off the nutrients in the raw sewage and grow rapidly. Hydro jetting can clear the roots leaving your drain crystal clear but unfortunately, over time they will return if the roots are not completely removed from the area. Another problem is, your sewer pipe is cracked and would probably need repairing. An epoxy sewer line, also known as a trenchless sewer line, would probably be the best solution. When you see the first signs of a blocked or broken sewer line, call your Big B’s Plumbing specialist today.
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