Sewer Line Clogs: “What is the Cause?”

In our title is certainly a question you hopefully do not find yourself asking concerning your sewer. Sure, we’ve all at times had to deal with the inconvenience of a clog in a variety type of drains. We have discussed in previous posts just how to deal with that type of issue. However, the possible “quick fix” of a drain clog becomes a much bigger concern when every one of your drains becomes backed up. This could point toward you having a clogged sewer. Whether you do and want to clear it, or simply want to take measures to avoid it, what follows is a helpful look at what causes Sewer Line Clogs.

If I Identify the Source, Can I Clear My Sewer Line Clogs?

Before we review the most common signs of Sewer Line Clogs, here at Poole’s Plumbing we want to make one thing perfectly clear. To answer the above heading, no, you cannot. To expound, Sewer Line Clogs are not a “do-it-yourself” type issue.

By recognizing the signs and locations we help you too in this post, hopefully, you can avoid a major plumbing issue before too much damage is done. However, we cannot stress enough that if you do identify this as a problem, call your friends here at Poole’s so we can get your Sewer Line Clogs cleared as safely and quickly as possible.

Five Signs to Check for to Recognize if Your Sewer Line is Clogged

Ok, so we know that regardless, once we know there are Sewer Line Clogs, we are calling in a professional. That being said, below are five ways that you could notice that will tell you the issue is a clogged sewer.

1- Bubbling and Gurling toilets- If you notice this type of activity in any of your toilets, the sewer clog may be the problem

2- Sewage-like Odors Coming from the Drains- We all know that foul, awful scent. If you recognize it coming from your drains, don’t hesitate, give us a call.

3- Wet Patches in Your Yard that Seem Out of Place- If there has been no rain or reason you can recall for random wet spots across your yard, good chance that the sewer clog has caused this.

4- Multiple Drains are Draining Slowly- When you happen to see one drain is moving slowly, so you check another, and they are too. You guessed it Sewer Line Clogs are your most probable cause.

5- One Plumbing Fixture Has Wastewater Backups When You are Using an Entirely Different Fixture- This is also an immediate red flag. If you come across this situation, let us come and lend a hand to rectify your problem.

“What is Causing All This?” The Four Most Common Causes of Sewer Line Clogs

Lists are easy to follow. So, when it comes to possibly saving you from the problems you could endure with Sewer Line Clogs, we are going to stick to lists. Directly below, is our list is of the four most common causes of Sewer Line Clogs.

1- Tree Roots- 

This is one possible issue that in some cases is unavoidable. Basically, you have tree roots underground that are growing. As they get bigger, they can make their way into a sewer pipe in a variety of ways. Once they have entered the pipe they expand. This can not only cause all of your drains to back up but could lead to a full blockage.

2- Garbage Disposal-

Another item we recently touched on here in the blog. While garbage disposals are nice, they are not a garbage grinding, trash can. Using a kitchen sink strainer can help to avoid larger debris entering the drain. Items such as grease and even some food items can cause the garbage disposal to aid in drains clogging.

3- The Toilets in Your Own Home Can Lead to Sewer Line Clogs- 

Simply put, using your toilet as a trash can could lead to drainage issues. Likewise, anything other than actual waste and toilet paper can lead to Sewer Line Clogs. As we have told you previously, even “flushable” wipes” that you’d pick up in-store can many times actually be damaging when flushed.

4- Cracked or Damaged Sewer Lines- 

Sewer lines over time can actually age and thus, deteriorate, corrode, or crack. Being under the ground, you would probably not notice. However, once you did, you’d find out that a damaged sewer line will lead to seriously large issues. This is due to the damage to the sewer line and also its need for replacing it causes

As touched upon in this post’s first paragraph, Sewer Line Clogs are not something we recommend trying yourself. You should upon identifying the sewer being backed up or noticing the signs and possible areas the clog is in. Once you identify the clog though, pick up the phone and call your friends at Poole’s Plumbing.

For any further information, you’d like to learn about Sewer Line Clogs and to contact us in case you do run into this issue, visit poolesplumbing.com.