Sewer line backups are a major inconvenience for homeowners and business owners alike. The “gulping” sounds coming from your drains or water returning to your sink or toilet can be unsettling. The issue quickly escalates when everything you’ve flushed down the toilet starts to come back, and no one wants to face this unpleasant reality. If you experience any of these symptoms, a blocked sewer line could be to blame. A sewer line blockage is a major problem that needs prompt attention. It’s a messy situation where it’s crucial to get it right the first time. That’s why it’s important to call on the experts at BEST Plumbing and Drainage in London, Ontario, when you need help. With our professional experience, we can fix even the most challenging sewage problems quickly and efficiently.
How to Determine if Your Sewer Line Is Blocked
If you suspect a blockage, the first step is to assess the severity of the issue. Are multiple toilets or drains backing up? This could indicate a problem with the main sewer line, which may involve your local municipality. If the issue only affects one fixture or drain, the blockage is likely within your property’s private sewer line. In either case, identifying the source of the problem early on can help you avoid further damage.
There are two types of sewer line blockages:
- Main Sewer Line Blockages: These affect multiple properties and require the involvement of the municipality to resolve.
- Private Sewer Line Blockages: These are confined to your home and need the attention of a professional plumber.
If your neighboirs are also reporting similar issues, the problem may be related to the public sewer system, which your municipality is responsible for fixing. However, if only your home’s plumbing is affected, it’s time to contact a plumbing contractor to handle the situation.
3 Signs Your Sewer Lines Are Blocked
Sewer line blockages are often easy to spot if you know what signs to look for. Here are three key indicators that your sewer line may be blocked.
Is Water Backing Up Through Your Drains?
Water backing up through your sinks, bathtubs, or basements is one of the most obvious signs of a sewer line blockage. Whether the water is pooling in your sink, coming up through your dishwasher, or flooding your basement, this is a clear signal that your drainage or sewer lines are clogged. When the sewage system becomes blocked, wastewater can’t properly flow through the pipes and instead rises up through the drains.
It’s crucial to address this issue immediately, as water backing up into your home can lead to significant damage to your plumbing system, as well as your floors, walls, and even your foundation. If left untreated, it can result in costly repairs.
Do You Hear Gurgling Sounds Coming from Your Drains?
Your sink or bathtub typically makes a distinct sound as water drains. However, if you begin hearing unusual gurgling noises, it could indicate a blockage in the sewer line. These sounds happen when trapped air bubbles form as the water struggles to pass through a partial blockage. Gurgling sounds are often an early warning sign, meaning a bigger problem could be on the horizon.
If you hear gurgling from your drains, it’s best to investigate further. A blockage that seems minor at first can quickly escalate into a more severe backup, so catching it early can save you from having to deal with a larger mess later.
Is Water Draining Slowly from Your Fixtures?
Slow drainage is another sign that your sewer lines may be blocked. While minor clogs can cause slow drainage, a full blockage will significantly impair the flow of water through your fixtures. You might notice that water takes longer to drain from sinks, tubs, or showers. In some cases, it may even pool in your fixtures before finally draining away.
This issue may start small, but it can worsen over time. If you continue to experience slow drainage, there’s a good chance that the blockage will continue to build up until a full backup occurs.
One obvious sign that your sewer lines are blocked is the foul odor that accompanies the backup. Blocked sewer lines often lead to unpleasant smells, particularly in basements, as the waste gets trapped and can’t flow freely through the pipes.
What to Do If Your Sewer Line Is Blocked
A sewer line blockage is not something you can resolve easily on your own. While there are DIY methods available online, it’s important to contact a plumbing professional to get the job done right. Clearing a sewer line blockage requires specialized tools and techniques, and taking the wrong approach can worsen the situation.
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, here are a few steps to take immediately:
- Stop Using Water: Avoid flushing toilets, running dishwashers, or washing clothes in the laundry room. Adding more water to the system can cause the blockage to worsen.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Every toilet and sink has a shut-off valve, and there’s also a main shut-off valve for the entire house. Turning off the water supply helps prevent additional water from entering the pipes and flooding your home.
Professional plumbers use advanced tools such as video cameras, hydro-jetting systems, and sewer snakes to clear blockages. These techniques are non-invasive and can solve the problem quickly, without the need to dig up your yard or break through concrete.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Blockages
Understanding the common causes of sewer line blockages can help you prevent them in the future. Many blockages are caused by everyday actions or items that people inadvertently flush down the toilet or wash down the drain. Being mindful of what you put down your drains can help you avoid costly repairs.
Foreign Objects in the Sewer Line
One of the most common causes of sewer backups is flushing items down the toilet or washing them down the sink that shouldn’t be there. Common culprits include:
- Baby diapers
- Tampons
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Oil and grease
While it may seem harmless to flush items like tampons or baby wipes, they can quickly create blockages in your sewer line. These materials do not break down easily and can form large clogs over time. Instead of flushing such items, dispose of them in the trash.
Grease Build-Up
Grease is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to sewer line blockages. When you rinse grease from cooking down the sink, it travels through your pipes while still warm. As the grease cools, it hardens and forms a thick, sticky coating inside your pipes. This buildup restricts the flow of water and leads to blockages.
Grease can travel several feet into your plumbing system before hardening, so it often leads to significant clogs. To prevent grease buildup, scrape fats and oils from cooking into the trash rather than rinsing them down the drain.
Tree Roots Intruding into Pipes
Tree roots can invade your sewer pipes and form blockages over time. As trees grow, their roots may stretch out and search for water, which often leads them into your pipes. Once inside, the roots can form large masses that block the flow of waste and water.
Unfortunately, preventing root intrusions is not always easy, especially with mature trees. If tree roots have caused a blockage in your sewer lines, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to address the issue before it gets worse.
Deteriorated or Damaged Pipes
Pipes deteriorate over time due to age and wear. Rust, cracks, and breaks in your pipes can lead to significant sewer line blockages. These issues are inevitable, but regular maintenance can help you identify problems early and prevent complete blockages.
If you have older pipes, it’s important to consult a plumbing expert to determine the best course of action. Replacing deteriorating pipes with more modern materials can prevent future blockages.
Unauthorized Plumbing Connections
Some homeowners or contractors may attempt DIY plumbing projects that connect backyard drains, sump pumps, or other systems to the sanitary sewer. These unauthorized connections can lead to blockages and are often illegal. If you suspect your home has unauthorized plumbing connections, it’s crucial to contact a professional plumber to fix the issue.
The BEST Drainage Process
At BEST Plumbing and Drainage, we use state-of-the-art tools to diagnose and repair sewer line blockages quickly and efficiently. Our process includes:
- Camera Inspection: We use a high-resolution video camera to inspect the sewer line and locate the blockage. This allows us to see exactly what’s causing the problem and make a plan for clearing it.
- Hydro-Jetting and Sewer Snakes: We use advanced techniques like hydro-jetting or a sewer snake to clear the blockage without damaging your pipes. These tools help restore proper flow to your plumbing system quickly and effectively.
Contact BEST Plumbing and Drainage
If you notice signs of a sewer line blockage, don’t wait—contact BEST Plumbing and Drainage right away. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to provide fast, reliable service. We proudly serve London, Ontario, and the surrounding areas, offering expert drainage and plumbing solutions. Whether you need a simple cleaning, a detailed video inspection, or a complete sewer line replacement, we have the expertise to get your system flowing smoothly again.
