Within the walls of your home lies a complex network of intake and outtake pipes. Your household plumbing has two primary purposes: to deliver fresh water and remove waste. For the latter, the job is incomplete without a working main sewer line leading to the city’s sewage system. But on occasion, you’ll find your plumbing system slowing. Odd smells are coming from the drains. These are some warning signs of a main sewer line blockage.
Warning signs should not be ignored, since raw sewage usually backs up into your bathtub or sink.
Slow Drainage is a Common Symptom
One of the earliest signs of a main sewer line blockage is slow drainage throughout the home. Now, we’re not talking about just one drain. All of them. Every drain in your home will simultaneously seem to slow or outright stop functioning — the sink, toilet, and bathtub included.
Furthermore, along with water that seemingly won’t disappear, you’ll start to note odd gurgling noises coming from the drain. This sound is the water trying to escape. Often, it’s a telltale symptom of a tree root blocking the line.
There isn’t a way to prevent Mother Nature and her tree roots from invading sewer lines. Having the pipes inspected for root intrusion every couple of years will allow us to spot problems early and helps to prevent major plumbing issues. The best part is that we can cut the roots out of the pipes without damaging the piping.
Are You Constantly Plunging?
We’ve all been there. You have a trusted toilet plunger stashed in the closet for rare occasions. But lately, you’ve noticed the need to plunge far more often.
It’s not you.
It’s not your toilet, either.
Chances are when you’re plunging more often, it’s because the drainage line is stopped up. You might have a tree root, collapsed line, or a significant blockage of waste, water, and debris.
Most often, if the main sewer line is clogged, then the need for constant plunging will accompany slow drainage elsewhere in the home. It’s one more symptom of the overall problem.
Sewage Odors Plague Your Home
A plumbing system must stop such odors from returning into your home. The P-trap prevents backup of any kind. If there is a clog anywhere in the line, the water and smell may not clear the P-trap fully. Then, before you know it, you’ve got sewage-like smells permeating in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.
How Does a P-Trap Work?
A P-trap is a u-shaped pipe designed to collect a small portion of water after every flush or sink use. This water remains at the lowest point of the trap, where it acts as a barrier against sewage odors. When working correctly, the water remains in place. When clogged, the gases begin to build up in this section of the line AND escape into your home.
Symptoms of Sewage Gas Exposure
Anyone exposed to sewage will inhale hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These chemicals may cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and drowsiness.
Should you ever notice these telltale signs of a main sewer line blockage, contact Trinity Plumbing for help. This is not a DIY task that anyone can complete. Sewage line repair and maintenance is a complicated job best left to the licensed and certified plumbing expert.
Is your sewer blocked?
If you’re experiencing warning signs of a sewer line blockage, call us. We can help you locate and fix the problem before it gets worse. Contact us today to schedule service.
