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The Warning Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

Published: May 2, 2019

Having a clogged sewer line is not a pleasant experience. Whether it’s an unwelcome splash of raw sewage that comes spilling out of your drain during a relaxing shower or a revolting smell that lingers for weeks at a time, getting worse day by day, sewer problems are no laughing matter. Luckily, there are several warning signs to look out for that are going to help you diagnose whether your plumbing problem is indeed your sewer line or not.
As with most things in the home, the sooner you spot the signs, the easier the problem is to fix. It’s also usually a lot cheaper to resolve.
Here are three of the most common signs that are easy to spot even for the most untrained eye. It doesn’t mean you’ll be able to fix the problem yourself, but at least you’ll be ready to contact someone who can.

Gurgling Toilets

This is by far the most frequent and obvious sign that homeowners use to determine the presence of a clogged sewer line. The bubbly gurgling noise usually starts when water is being used in other parts of the house.

Let’s say you’ve started the dishwasher, or you’ve just put some laundry on. If the toilet starts randomly gurgling away in the background, then it’s a sure sign that you’ve got a clogged sewer line. Toilets just don’t do that on their own.

Slow Drains

Usually, one slow drain isn’t too much of systemic concern. An isolated example of a slow drain should be no cause for concern regarding clogged up sewers. If, however, we’re talking about multiple drains in the home becoming slower and slower in doing their job, then it’s pretty likely you have an issue with the sewer line.

One is usually just a small isolated issue. When most of the drains in your home start becoming problematic at the same time, it’s indicative of a much deeper problem.

Leaking Drains

No one wants to imagine sewage making its way back into the home, but it, unfortunately, can happen. Whether it reappears through a floor drain, or through the toilet bowl itself, your sewer line is almost certainly clogged if you see sewage. It may even come back up through the bathtub drain, or the shower drain.

It doesn’t really matter where it’s coming from though, it shouldn’t be happening, and if your sewer line is clogged, you’ll want to get it sorted as soon as possible.

Having a clogged sewer line is not only unpleasant for everyone involved, but it can also be very expensive to fix. In addition, the smell can be difficult to eliminate as well, even after the blockage is addressed.

In Summary

If you notice any of the above signs, it is always advisable to seek the help of a professional with experience in dealing with sewer and drain problems. You don’t want to start poking and prodding about yourself, as you could end up making the problem worse.

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