A sewer line clog is the last thing most homeowners want to think about.
But a problem with your sewer line can be very serious, and lead to much greater damage and more expensive repairs down the line. That’s why it’s important to keep a lookout for any indications of a major blockage, so you can prevent it from becoming a much bigger problem.
Here are eight signs of a clogged sewer line to keep an eye on:
1. Excessive Bubbles
It’s important to keep a lookout for signs of bubbles in places where you don’t normally see them.
For instance, bubbles in a filled sink or in your toilet may be an indication of a sewer line clog. In this case, a main sewer line clog could be causing wastewater to backup into the sink or toilet.
2. Slow Draining
One of the more obvious signs of a clogged sewer line is when draining takes too long.
If you notice that a sink or toilet is draining very slowly, it’s a good sign that you may be in need of main line drain cleaning.
3. Unpleasant Smells
The stench of sewage is recognizable to everyone, and it’s also one of the main signs of a sewer line clog. If you notice the presence of unpleasant sewage smells in your home, it probably indicates a sewage backup that is affecting your home’s plumbing.
4. Obstructed Cleanout Drain
Cleanout drains, typically found in crawl spaces or basements, are designed to provide access to the sewer line.
If you find water leakage or sewage buildup in a cleanout drain, it probably means a sewer line clog.
5. Wet Patches in the Yard
It’s a fact that water must drain somewhere. And if your sewer line is clogged, that water may leak into your yard.
If you notice wet patches in your yard (especially when it hasn’t rained in some time), it could indicate a clogged sewer line.
6. Mold and Mildew
The appearance of new mold or mildew growth, particularly in unexpected areas, could signal a clogged sewer line somewhere in your home.
Since the presence of mold can affect your health, this is yet another good reason to keep your sewer lines clean and clog-free.
7. Pest Control Problems
Cockroaches and other nasty insects love plumbing issues—clogged and busted pipes allow them to spill out and find their way into your home.
So keep an eye out for these critters, because they might just indicate something more than a pest control nuisance.
8. Frequent Toilet Backups
Finally, we come to one of the major signs of a sewer line clog.
Toilet backups aren’t uncommon. Many things can cause them, from using too much toilet paper to flushing unusual objects. But if you’ve ruled these out, and backups are frequent, it might be a sign of a main sewer line clog.
Watch for These Signs of a Sewer Line Clog
A sewer line clog is a nasty, foul-smelling mess that never goes away on its own. So always watch for these signs, and call a professional to fix the problem before it gets out of hand.
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