How to Tell If Your Home Needs a Mainline Sewer Cleanout: Signs to Look For

May 1, 2023

Emptying,Septic,Tank,,Cleaning,The,Sewers.,Septic,Cleaning,And,SewageHow to Tell If Your Home Needs a Mainline Sewer Cleanout: Signs to Look For

Do you know what one of the most important, yet often overlooked, parts of your home is? Your mainline sewer line. It’s responsible for transporting wastewater away from your home and into the municipal sewer system. However, many homeowners rarely think about their sewer line until they face a major clog or backup. That’s why it’s crucial to know the signs that indicate it’s time for a mainline sewer cleanout.

Here are some of the most common warning signals to look for:

1. Slow Draining: If multiple drains in your home, such as sinks, tubs, and toilets, are draining slowly or not at all, it’s a telltale sign of a clogged sewer line. This is because all your drains connect to the mainline sewer, and a blockage can cause wastewater to backup into your home, leading to major problems.

2. Foul Smell: If you notice a pungent odor coming from your drains, you might have a clogged sewer line. Sewer gas is a mix of hydrogen sulfide and methane that produces the telltale “rotten egg” smell. If the mainline sewer is blocked, wastewater can’t leave your home, causing sewage gas to seep up through your pipes and into your home.

3. Gurgling Noises: If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your drains or toilet when you flush, it’s usually a sign that air is trapped in the pipes due to a clog or blockage. This noise indicates that water is trying to pass through the clogged mainline sewer, creating air pockets that cause the gurgling noise.

4. Water Backup: Sewer line clogs can cause wastewater to flow back up through your drains and into your home. If you notice water backing up into sinks, toilets, or bathtubs, don’t ignore it. This is an early warning sign and an indication that you need to get a mainline sewer cleanout before problems get worse.

5. Lawn Changes: When the mainline sewer line gets backed up and water can’t flow smoothly, it might cause lawn damage. If you notice an area on your lawn that is looking greener than other areas, it may be due to a sewer line leak. Sewer water is nutrient-rich, and it may cause the grass in that area to grow taller and greener than other areas.

6. Pools of Water: During heavy rain, it’s common to have small pools of water in the lawn or yard. However, if you see these pools of water when there hasn’t been a recent rainfall, it may be a sign of a sewer line backup. Water from the sewer line may be overflowing, causing the water to collect on the surface.

7. Rodent Infestation: Sewers can be a great hiding place for rodents. If there is a backup, it can attract rodents and other vermin to your property. Rodents can be dangerous since they carry several diseases, so it’s important to have the issue resolved as quickly as possible.

8. Multiple Problems: If you’re experiencing multiple plumbing problems at the same time, it could be a sign of a mainline sewer blockage. For instance, if you notice both slow drainage and a foul odor, it’s highly likely that there is a clog in your sewer line.

If you’ve experienced any of these signs mentioned above, it’s highly recommended to reach out to a plumbing professional to perform a mainline sewer cleanout. A professional sewer cleaning service can diagnose the issue and perform a proper cleanout to fix your sewer line and prevent future problems.

Preventive Maintenance

To prevent future sewer line clogs, have your pipes regularly cleaned and inspected by professionals. A preventive maintenance service can help prolong the life of your sewer line and prevent costly repairs and backups. Some situations that might raise the need for increased maintenance include:

1. Old pipes: Sewer pipes with age above or over 50 years are usually made of cast iron or clay. These pipes can deteriorate over time, leading to cracks, leaks or collapses.

2. Trees: Tree roots are a common cause of sewer line clogs. Roots can infiltrate your sewer pipes, causing them to clog and even collapse. Regular pipeline inspections can help in detecting tree roots early to help prevent and remedy shutoffs for repairs.

3. Flushing inappropriate products: Despite numerous warnings, people still flush items such as sanitary pads, hygiene products, grease, and baby wipes down the drain. These substances can obstruct and cause damage to your sewer lines.

Final Thoughts

If you’re having plumbing issues, don’t ignore them. Many sewer line problems can be fixed by having your mainline sewer cleaned by a professional sewer cleaning company. Keep in mind, sewer backups and clogs are an indication of a much bigger problem that needs the attention of a professional. Remember to have your sewer lines cleaned regularly and proactively check for signs that your sewer lines need cleaning. By doing so, you can prevent potential damage and hefty repair costs.

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