A properly functioning sewer system is critical to the health and safety of your home. All of the plumbing lines and fixtures inside your residence drain into a single sewer line that connects to a municipal waste disposal network. When the main sewer drain line fails, you could experience a plumbing disaster inside your home.
Experienced plumbers use cameras to help pinpoint the location of any damage within the main sewer line. A camera inspection saves you the hassle and expense of having to dig up the entire line to diagnose potential problems.
It's important to know when you need to reach out for professional help. Keep an eye out for these four warning signs that your sewer line needs an inspection and possible repairs.
1. You Smell a Foul Odor
A sewer system that is functioning efficiently will produce no detectable odor. If you suddenly notice a foul smell coming from your toilets, sinks, and drains, this is a definite sign that your main line needs to be inspected.
A buildup of dangerous gases can occur inside your sewer line when your plumbing system isn't ventilating properly. Exposure to these gases is not only unpleasant, but it could also lead to serious illness. A plumber will be able to inspect your sewer line and determine if poor ventilation is causing the foul smell in your home.
2. Your Water Levels Change
The amount of water that is left in your toilet bowl after each flush should remain fairly constant over the life of your plumbing system. A sudden fluctuation in water levels is an indication that your main sewer line could be clogged.
Clogs impede the movement of water and waste from your home into the municipal waste disposal system. As the rate of passage through the clog changes, your water levels will fluctuate accordingly. Your plumber will be able to use a camera inspection to locate the clog so that it can quickly be eliminated to prevent additional damage.
3. Your Drains are Slow
Slow-moving drains are a common problem for homeowners. It isn't unusual for a single drain to become clogged with hair or soap scum that can cause water to drain slowly. When you experience multiple drains moving slowly throughout your home at the same time, this is cause for concern.
The main sewer line will allow very little water to pass through when a clog becomes severe. Since all of your plumbing fixtures rely on the main sewer drain line, a clog in this line will affect all of the drains in your home. Reach out for professional help quickly when you notice multiple drains moving slowly inside your home.
4. Sewage Backs Up in Your Home
If you ignore the early warning signs that your main sewer line needs repair, clogs and other problems will continue to compromise the function of your plumbing system. Eventually, a clog will become so severe that no water or waste can move past it. With nowhere else to go, sewage will eventually start to back up into your home.
Sewage overflows typically appear in the lowest drains of a home first. Basement floor drains or the drains in a basement bathroom are likely to be affected quickly when the main sewer line closes off. You will need a camera inspection to identify exactly where the clog is located and to determine if you need to replace the affected section of the drain line.
Understanding these signs can help you know how to communicate with your plumber. You'll be able to schedule a main sewer drain line appointment before the problem destroys the plumbing pipes and fixtures inside your home.
Share26 April 2021
When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.
