Sewer lines are not something the average homeowner thinks about until the toilet won't flush and the kitchen sink won't drain. 🤨
The good news: you have options.
The bad news: plumbing problems only get worse and more expensive over time.
According to IBHS Water Damage Studies, more than half of plumbing drain system failures were the result of sewer backups with an average cost of $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.
Reduce your risk of plumbing drain failure:
- Backflow Prevention Assembly - If your home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system or you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into your sewer system.
- Trees - Prevent roots from damaging piping by planting your trees away from lateral drain lines.
- Grease - Never pour grease down the drain.
How do you know if you have a sewer line problems?
1. Signs You have sewer line clog
Telltale signs:
- Slow drains - Certain drains are backing up and slowly draining
- Sewer backup – waste water coming up or rising from other drains in the house
- Gurgling or bubbling sound - Toilet, bathtub, shower, backing up. Makes gulping sounds when it drains.
- Sewer gas odor - Sewer smell in downstairs bathroom.
Other signs you have sewer line issues:
- Moldy spots on floors or ceilings
- Rodent or insect problems
- Extra lush areas of your lawn or sink holes
- Foundation cracks
2. Wheres the backup?
Main sewer line: Your house has one main sewer line that empties into the city sewer. (or septic system if you have one)
Secondary line: Appliances and fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers) all have secondary drain lines that empty into the main line.
It is an important first step to diagnose if your clog is on the main drain line or a secondary line.
3. main line vs a secondary line?
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE CLOG IS ON THE MAIN LINE VS A SECONDARY LINE?
Secondary Drain Line:
- If only one of your drains is slow the clog is confined to one area (ex: your toilet) and does not affect other areas (shower/tub) – this means your clog is most likely located in a secondary drain line (ex: located in the toilet's plumbing)
- Try using a plunger, and if you are still having issues a plumber can quickly isolate and remove the clog. (This might help --> Bathroom Clogs)
Main Drain Line:
- If you hear gurgling and water is backing up and slow to drain in multiple locations - it's your main sewer line that is causing the trouble.
4. Why is the line not draining?
Tree roots can turn a weak spot in the line, into a big problem.
Reasons why your sewer line is slow to drain:
- Pipes are old and deteriorating. Older homes (built before the 1980s) with clay/cast iron pipes often have sewer line issues.
- Tree roots are breaking through the pipe. Tree roots are extremely strong and intrusive. They can easily break through week pipes to cause a blockage.
- Ground conditions changing. Changes in the soil such as freezing or settling can break or damage your pipes.
- Accumulated gunk. Be sure to check out our blogs on Kitchen Sinks and Garbage Disposals to learn how you can help prevent clogs.
- Foreign objects. The sewer system is only able to process toilet paper and human waste.
TIP: Don’t flush tampons, cigarettes or kitty litter down the toilet.
Old Pipes 😲
5. next steps
If you have deduced the clog is a sewer line clog it is time to call in the professionals.
- Plumbing Camera - You will need to first need to have a plumbing camera run through the line to diagnose the problem. This will show if there is something blocking the drain or if there is a break or tree roots in the main drain line.
- Options: (depending on the diagnosis)
- clogs
- snake the line
- tree roots
- snake the line, and snake the line again every time the tree roots grow back
- repair the broken portion of the line by replacing with a new piece of pipe
- multiple breaks/deteriorating pipe
- replace the entire drain line with new pvc pipe
- clogs
Repairing or replacing your main drain line is no small task, and must be done by a professional.
Questions?
We'd love to help you get your drains flowing again and are happy to answer any questions you have. 817-453-8028
Finance your plumbing repair project
See new financing options available here.
KMP - Kennedale Mansfield Plumbing - Your plumbing professionals since 1985.
Looking for a plumber for sewer line repair - fort worth tx plumber mansfield tx plumber arlington tx , kennedale mansfield plumbing has you covered. If you are experiencing any of these issues please contact KMP - Kennedale Mansfield Plumbing your drain cleaning plumbing repair specialists.
👉👉 Check out KaMPi's Guide to Plumbing for Homeowners 👈👈
