Plumbing issues can be frustrating for most homeowners. While a clogged drain can be resolved with the use of a plunger, a clogged sewer line poses a bigger problem. This is because all the wastewater from different parts of the home leads to the sewer before being transported out of the house. As a result, a clogged sewer line will render all the drains in your home ineffective. This article will highlight signs that indicate a clogged sewer line, as well as ways to unclog it.
Signs That Your Sewer Line Is Clogged
There are several causes of clogged sewer lines, this includes corrosion inside the pipe, damaged pipe joints, shifting soil around the pipe, and more. Whatever the cause may be, these are telling signs that your sewer line is clogged.
- Slow-Moving Drains: One of the most common signs of a clogged sewer line is slow-moving drains. Examine your drains, are they clearing up quickly? Is there pooling whenever you try to drain water? This could be a sign of clogging, as drains slow down when this occurs. The way it works, the debris in the pipe builds up over time, making it hard for wastewater to pass through. Pay attention to all the drains in your home, if they are all slowing down, you are most likely dealing with a clogged sewer line.
- Strange Sounds: When you see air bubbles accompanied by gurgling sounds, there is a very high chance that your sewer line is clogged. These sounds could also come in form of trickling noises, bubbling, and hissing. If you hear any of these strange sounds, it is important to take quick action.
Another sign of a clogged sewer line is dark water in your drains.
How to Unclog Your Home Sewer Line
The only solution to a clogged sewer line is to unclog it, as it renders the entire plumbing system of the home ineffective. There are a few steps to take to unclog your sewer.
- Release The Pressure On The Sewer: In doing this, you have to turn off the water at the main supply. After doing this, look around the house to find the sewer cleanout line. Remove the cap of the cleanout line, and this will cause water caught in the sewer to drain.
- Chemical Cleaning: Chemical cleaning is a good option if tree roots and debris are responsible for the clogging of your sewer line. Copper sulfate and herbicide dichlobenil are two chemical substances available to you for this purpose.
- Mechanical Cleaning: Mechanical cleaning entails using physical tools to unclog the sewer line. One of these tools is the drain snake. The drain snake is inserted into the sewer line and pushed in, to break the clog. High-pressure water jets could also be used to flush tree roots and debris out of the way.
- Camera Inspection: If a drain snake or water jet does not unclog your sewer line, it is best to carry out a camera inspection. This will give you a clear view of the sewer line, and assist in spotting the problem.
Getting an experienced plumber is the best bet for every homeowner when it comes to unclogging your sewer line. You can also look for a sewer camera for sale on the market.