I know what you're thinking: sewer clogs are a thing of the past. After all, modern plumbing systems use water to carry away waste and debris instead of letting it sit around in cesspools for weeks. But even though our pipes might not be made from clay anymore, plenty of things can get stuck in them. So what does this mean for you? Well, if you ever notice any of these signs inside your home—a slow-draining sink or an unpleasant odor near your water heater—it could be time to call a professional plumber to do some serious digging.
Slow Drains
If your water is draining slowly, there is a good chance that your sewer line is clogged. This can be a problem with local clogs or the main line itself. Local issues tend to be easier to spot because they are more visible than significant blockages in the main line. Many homeowners find that their drains start working better once they remove these small obstructions.
If you notice that your toilet is overflowing or that the main drain in your house seems to be slowing down, it's likely due to a local clogging issue. This could happen if someone flushes something down the toilet that shouldn't be flushed (such as baby wipes) or if something has fallen into the drain.
If you notice more than one fixture acting up at once, such as both toilets and sinks draining slower than normal, this indicates a larger blockage in the main line rather than just an isolated problem within one or two drains.
Multiple Fixtures With Slow Drains
If you notice more than one fixture acting up at once, that's a sign that a blockage has occurred in the sewer line rather than the local drains. In other words, it could be just a matter of time before your entire house is backed up with sewage.
The main sewer line is the pipe that carries wastewater from your home to a treatment facility. The branch lines connect with each fixture and branch off from there. So if something happens to either damage or clog one of these pipes, everything connected to them will also experience problems—and fast!
Unusual green or soggy patches in the yard
It may signify a sewer clog if you notice unusual green or soggy patches in your yard. The reason for soggy patches? Unfortunately, sewer lines can inadvertently leak and oversaturate the soil they run underneath, leading to soggy dirt.
The most common reason is tree roots growing into the sewer line. This can cause excessive volume and pressure problems that affect how your waste flows through the system. If you see these symptoms, notify your plumber immediately!
If you have noticed any of the above signs, it's important to call us immediately so we can take care of the problem before it worsens other parts of your home's plumbing system and causes a costly repair bill down the line!
Unpleasant Odors
Bad smells and sewers go hand in hand. The best way to spot sewer line clogs is by the powerfully awful odor of sewer gas. When it comes to sewer gas, lighting a few candles around the home is not going to help, and you need to call our team immediately. Sewer gas is not only awful to be around but also awful for your respiratory health with prolonged exposure. Typically sewer gas smells like rotten eggs and is hard to miss.
Mac's Plumbing, Heating & Air has got you covered when it comes to dealing with plumbing problems year-round, so give us a call today at (916) 794-8884