Sewer Problems: What to Do When Trouble Strikes

Common Sewer Problems

Sewer lines remain out of sight and, thus, out of mind until something goes wrong. The following are some common issues most homeowners experience:

Clogged Sewer Lines

The most common are blockages that build up over time from debris, grease, or other non-flushable items in your pipes, which cause water to back up.

Tree Root Intrusion

Over time, tree roots can grow into your sewer lines, causing cracks or complete blockages.

Broken or Collapsed Sewer Pipes

These may include aging pipes, shifting soil, or poor installation that causes pipes to crack or collapse, resulting in serious backups.

Sewer System Backups

Heavy rainfall or flooding could inundate your system and push waste back into your home. This is a health hazard and needs immediate attention.

Warning Signs of Sewer Trouble

It is important to recognize the early warning signs of sewer problems. Watch for:

1. Slow Drains: If water takes longer to drain, a simple clog can be something more. Foul Odors: If sewer gases escape through your pipes, this may signal something serious. Gurgling Noises: Strange noises in your drains could signal that your system is having a hard time with some blockage. Water Backups: When water starts to back up into sinks, toilets, and tubs, the culprit can be a major clog or backup.
   Things to Do When You Have Sewer Problems
   Once you have an issue with the sewer, you need to act fast to ensure that further damage will be prevented. The following are the steps to take:
2. Stop Water Usage
   Avoid the running of water or appliances such as a dishwasher or a washing machine. This can give way to worsening the problem.
3. Call a Professional Plumber
   Sewer problems are complex and often require specialized equipment, like drain snakes or hydro-jetting equipment. A call to the skilled plumber is essential in effectively solving the problem in the shortest time.
4. Consider a Sewer Camera Inspection
   When the problem persists, then the plumber can use a camera to inspect the inside of your sewer lines for blockages and the overall condition of your pipes.
5. Routine Maintenance
   Regular maintenance, such as professional cleaning of the sewer lines, will save you from huge problems later on. This is quite necessary for old houses or estates with big trees around them.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber for Sewer Problems

Some sewer issues call for immediate action. Here’s when you need to call an emergency plumber:

1. Sewer backup in your house: Aside from creating a huge mess, this is a serious health hazard that needs immediate attention.
2. Various drains block: When more than one drain in your house block, it’s a sign that something far inside your sewer may be amiss
3. Unpleasant odors in a sudden yet continuous manner: If you can detect a pungent smell of sewage inside or outside of your home, this is a scenario you will need to get checked right away.

How to prevent problems in the future

Without question, not all issues with sewers are entirely preventable but here’s how you can reduce the chances of those occurring:

Be aware of what you put down your toilet. You need to know what goes in your system and what does not. The only things that belong going down the drain are toilet paper and human waste. Wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products do not belong down the drain.
Never pour grease down a drain: Grease can congeal in your pipes, creating blockages.
Schedule regular inspections: Schedule a plumber to inspect your sewer lines every few years, especially if your home is older or there are large trees around.

Sewer problems are annoying, yet with timely intervention and the right help, they could be sorted out pretty fast. If you think you have a sewer problem, then you need to call in a professional plumber who could identify the problem for you and fix it before it becomes huge. Regular maintenance and a careful eye on what goes down your drains will keep your sewer system in good shape.

If you are in need of professional plumbing services and sewer problem solutions, then look no further than Pro Flow Plumbing Solutions. Call today for assistance.