Warning Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line
When it comes to detecting a clogged sewer line, troubleshooting isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think. Fortunately, there are some early tell-tale signs indicating the source of this type of common plumbing problem.
Blockages are usually caused by an accumulation of organic matter, like hair or grease. Based on how quickly a drain backs up with water, it is possible to gauge how deep the blockage is situated. If your sink, toilet or shower for instance, backs up immediately, the stoppage is located directly under the drain. If the curved section which follows is blocked, it will take slightly longer for this to occur. In both cases, a household drain cleaner may be employed to deal with the clogged sewer line, usually with good results. Further along is the horizontal section of the pipe, which leads onto the house’s internal sewer line. If it takes 10 seconds or longer for a fixture to back up, the problem is the result of a blocked internal line. Another indication of this type of blockage is that other fixtures will back up.
For instance, if your washing machine backs up into your toilet or tub, this is also an indication of blockages within the house’s internal line. Internal line blockages may be resolved with household cleaners, but if your fixtures continue to back up despite using these detergents, you’ll require professional assistance. In the case of serious blockages, which occur in the deeper internal line, a cable cleaning device operated by a trained plumber is the best and most effective method for dealing with the clogged sewer line. Routine maintenance is always the best solution for avoiding a clogged sewer line. The old adage “prevention is better than cure” applies to drains as well as just about anything requiring maintenance in your home.
Contact Sobieski Services for advice regarding clogged sewer lines. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).
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