In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on main sewer line clogs, how they form and their severity. These kinds of clogs are particularly worrisome for home or building owners, affecting the main sewer line that connects to all their drains, and ensuring these don’t take place is a major role of both homeowners and plumbers – plus might take more than a simple drain cleaner or drain snake.
When you work with the pros with At Your Service Plumbing, Heating & Air, you receive high-quality plumbing services in several areas, from drain and sewer repair to piping needs, water heater assistance and much more. What are some of the other potential causes of main sewer line clogs to be aware of and help prevent, and what are some of the red flags that may indicate such a clog or blockage is taking place? Here’s a primer.
Garbage Disposal
For some reason, some homeowners don’t seem to view their garbage disposal in the same way as other drains. Just because the disposal has an extra purpose, however, does not mean it doesn’t drain just like other areas in the home.
Unfortunately, this means many people also don’t use their garbage disposal properly. They assume simply anything can be thrown down it, including grease and oils, large food solids and more. The garbage disposal is not invincible, and over time these kinds of items placed inside it will not be ground up entirely and may contribute heavily to main sewer line clogs further down the drain.
Sewer Line Damage
In other cases, the cause of a clog or blockage inside the main sewer line is damage to the line itself. This may be caused in certain situations by simple wear-and-tear, especially for sewer lines over 20 years old, which may sag or droop.
However, the more common cause of this damage is the trees in your yard. Deep root systems are always in search of moisture, and will grow directly into main sewer lines that run below your yard. They can create major damage here, including the need to replace the sewer line entirely in some cases.
Signs to Watch For
Here are some signs that may indicate a main sewer line blockage, clog or related issue:
- Gurgling or bubbling from multiple toilets in the home at once
- Slow drainage in multiple drains
- Foul odors from the drains
- Unexplained wet patches in the yard despite dry weather
- Wastewater backups in a certain plumbing fixture while a different fixture is being used
If you notice any of these issues, contact our plumbers right away for inspection and assistance. For more on avoiding main sewer line clogs, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff with At Your Service Plumbing, Heating & Air today.
