How To Diagnose A Clogged Sewer Line?
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There is nothing worse than discovering you have a clogged sewer line. You rely on your sewer system for all your water needs from the kitchen to the bathroom. If there’s a problem, you want to get on top of it as soon as possible, so it doesn’t get worse and cause more long-term inconvenience. So, how exactly do you diagnose a clogged sewer line in order to get it fixed as soon as possible? Here are some tips to help you out.
How Do Sewer Lines Work?
Let’s take a look at exactly how the sewer lines in your home or apartment building actually work. There are paths throughout the building that the lines go through, from the bathroom to the kitchen and any other tanks. They all work and flow together to keep the system running as efficiently as possible.
What Causes Blocked Drains
When a blockage occurs in one or multiple of these lines, it can cause problems for your entire sewer system. Here are some of the common blocked drain symptoms you might find at your home:
- Tree roots: as tree roots grow within the ground, they seek moisture. This can be found within your sewer system. As a result, tree roots can make their way in and cause clogs in the process.
- Flushing big items: the toilet should never be used as a garbage bin. This means even things such as wipes should never be flushed. They can get stuck and cause a block in your pipes.
- Damage over time: just like other things in life, time can wear away at your pipes and leave them in a worse condition. They can end up sagging, which makes it harder for waste to make its way through.
- Debris: sticks, leaves and other debris can get into your sewer line after a storm – or simply just build up over time. This build-up can stop waste from passing freely and cause even bigger issues down the track.
How To Diagnose A Clogged Sewer Line?
It can be difficult to spot whether or not a sewer line is clogged. Here are some signs to look out for to help you pick it up as early as possible.
- Overflowing water: you need to pay careful attention to the fixtures in your home. As mentioned, they all work together to create an efficient sewer system. If you turn the bathroom tap on and notice that your toilet is filling up as a result, it’s because there is a block somewhere on the way. The water from the tap isn’t able to freely flow out of your home so its coming back up another pipe instead. The bath and shower are common exit points as the plugholes are the closet to the ground.
- Slow draining water: water slowly draining is another sign. It suggests your pipe has an obstruction along the way that needs clearing, which is stopping the water from draining efficiently.
- Bad smell: if there’s a strong odour coming from your plumbing fixtures, it’s likely you have an issue on your hands. It’s likely you have a block somewhere along the way that is causing the sewerage to clog up and sending a waft back up into your home. If it doesn’t smell right, it’s because it isn’t right, so make sure you get it looked at.
- Gurgling: another thing you should look out for is any noises that don’t sound right. If you hear a gurgling in the pipes, then something isn’t working properly. You might hear it when you flush the toilet, have a shower or at the kitchen sink. This is a sign you shouldn’t ignore and need to get on top of as soon as possible.
Getting The Right Help
If you notice any of these issues, you want to get on top of them straight away. Leaving things to deteriorate further will result in a much bigger bill at the end, along with much inconvenience for you. The blocked sewer plumbers at Zabs Plumbing can stop a minor problem from turning into a much bigger one. If you suspect something is wrong, or simply want to have your drains cleared to ensure they are working optimally then give them a call today.
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