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Main Sewer Line Clog: How to Detect and Take Action

a man with a main sewer line clog.

Dealing with a clogged sewer line can be a messy and frustrating experience, but with the right knowledge and steps, you can quickly identify the issue and address it effectively. Below we will walk you through the signs of a main sewer line clog, the possible causes, and the actions you can take to resolve the problem. If you are a homeowner or a property manage, this guide will provide you with valuable information to tackle this issue head on.

Understanding the Main Sewer Line

Before we dive into the details of detecting and resolving a main sewer line clog, let’s first understand what the main sewer line is and its role in your plumbing system. The main sewer line is a large pipe that carries waste and wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.

The main sewer line is typically buried underground and connects all the drains in your house, including toilets, sinks, showers, and other plumbing fixtures. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the functionality of your plumbing system by ensuring proper waste disposal.

Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog

Recognizing the signs of a main sewer line clog early on can help you prevent further damage and avoid expensive repairs. Here are some common signs to look out for:

  • Multiple clogged drains: If you notice that several drains in your house are clogging simultaneously, it could be a sign of a main sewer line clog. Pay attention to toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
  • Gurgling sounds: Unusual gurgling sounds coming from your drains, especially when using other plumbing fixtures, may indicate a blockage in the main sewer line.
  • Sewage backups: One of the most obvious signs of a main sewer line clog is sewage backups. If you notice sewage overflowing from toilets or drains, it is crucial to take immediate action.
  • Foul odors: A persistent foul odor in your home, particularly near drains or the basement, could be a result of a clogged main sewer line. Sewage buildup leads to unpleasant smells that should not be ignored.
  • Slow drainage: If you notice water draining slowly from sinks, showers, or bathtubs, it could be an indication of a main sewer line clog. While this could also be caused by localized blockages, it is essential to investigate further.
a person pouring grease down a drain.

Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet or pouring grease and oil down the drains can lead to clogs in the main sewer line.

Possible Causes of a Main Sewer Line Clog

Understanding the potential causes of a main sewer line clog can help you prevent future occurrences and take appropriate action. Here are some common causes:

  • Tree roots: Tree roots are one of the leading causes of main sewer line clogs. Roots can penetrate and grow into sewer pipes, causing blockages and damage.
  • Collapsed or deteriorated pipes: Over time, sewer pipes can collapse or deteriorate due to age, shifting soil, freezing temperatures, or other factors. This can result in blockages and restrict the flow of wastewater.
  • Improper installation: If the main sewer line was not properly installed or has design flaws, it may be prone to clogs and backups.

Detecting a Main Sewer Line Clog

Once you have identified the signs and potential causes of a clog in your line, it is time to take action. While some clogs can be resolved with simple DIY methods, others may require professional assistance. Here are some steps to detect a main sewer line clog:

  • Inspect the drains: Start by inspecting all the drains in your house. If multiple drains are clogged, the issue may lie in the main sewer line.
  • Check the toilet: Flush the toilet and observe if the water level rises or drains slowly. This can be an indication of a clogged sewer line.
  • Investigate sewage backups: If you experience sewage backups in your drains or toilets, it is crucial to address the issue promptly.
  • Contact a professional: If you are unable to detect the source of the clog or the problem persists, it is advisable to seek professional help from a licensed plumber. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve main sewer line clogs.
a sewer line being cleaned out by way of hydro-jetting.

Hydro jetting involves using a high-pressure water jet to clear out the blockage and clean the inside of the pipes.

Taking Action to Resolve a Main Sewer Line Clog

Depending on the severity of the clog and your level of expertise, there are several actions you can take to resolve a main sewer line clog:

1. DIY Methods

If the clog is minor and accessible, you can attempt the following DIY methods:

  • Plunging: Use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. Make sure to create a tight seal and apply firm pressure.
  • Boiling water: Boil a large pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain to dissolve minor clogs.
  • Homemade drain cleaner: Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for some time before flushing with hot water.
  • Sewer snake or auger: Use a sewer snake or auger to manually remove the clog by inserting it into the drain and rotating it to break up or pull out the obstruction.

2. Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can be an option for minor clogs, but they should be used with caution. These products contain strong chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and your pipes if not used properly. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and consider wearing protective gloves and eyewear.

3. Hydro Jetting

For more stubborn main sewer line clogs, hydro jetting is a highly effective solution. Hydro jetting involves using a high-pressure water jet to clear out the blockage and clean the inside of the pipes. This method should be performed by a professional plumber due to the specialized equipment and knowledge required.

4. Pipe Replacement or Repair

In severe cases where the main sewer line is damaged or collapsed, sewer line replacement or repair may be necessary. This typically requires excavation to access the affected pipe section and can be a complex and costly process. Speak with a professional plumber to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action.

Preventing Future Main Sewer Line Clogs

While dealing with a clog in your main line can be inconvenient, there are steps you can take to prevent future occurrences. Here are some preventive measures:

  • Proper waste disposal: Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, such as wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products, down the toilet. Dispose of them properly in the trash.
  • Avoid pouring grease and oil down the drains: Grease and oil can solidify and cause clogs in the sewer line. Allow them to cool and dispose of them in the garbage.
  • Tree root maintenance: Regularly inspect and trim tree roots near your sewer lines to prevent them from infiltrating and causing blockages.
  • Regular plumbing inspections: Schedule routine inspections with a professional plumber to identify potential issues before they escalate.
  • Install a backwater valve: Consider installing a backwater valve, which prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rainfall or flooding.

A clog in your sewer main can be a stressful and inconvenient problem to deal with, but by recognizing the signs and taking appropriate action, you can minimize the impact and prevent further damage. Whether you choose to tackle the issue yourself or contact a professional plumber, it is essential to address the clog promptly to avoid costly repairs. Remember, regular maintenance and taking preventive measures can go a long way in preventing future main sewer line clogs. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and solutions to effectively detect and resolve main sewer line clogs.

Symptoms of a Sewer Drain Clog

Symptoms of a Sewer Drain Clog

A clogged sewer drain is one of the very worst plumbing problems to have in your home. Just imagine the spectacle of wastewater with human waste and all kinds of filth bubbling up from a drain and flooding your home. This problem is better imagined than experienced.

A clogged sewer drain will not only cause flooding in your home, but it will also expose everyone in the house to significant health risks, warns IPM Management. Preventing sewer drain clogs is the best way to deal with them. But to prevent a sewer drain clog, you must know the signs of problems with your sewer drains.

How sewer drains work

All homes that are connected to the city sewer service have a single underground sewer drainpipe that runs from the home to the city’s systems. This pipe collects wastewater from all the drainpipes inside the home and channels it to the city sewers.

This main pipe is usually 3 or 4”in diameter and hooked to the home’s main drain. Other drainpipes that run from the home’s main drain to its various plumbing fixtures (sinks, showers, or toilets) often have a smaller diameter of 1 ¼ to 2 ½”. 

If the main sewer drainpipe which connects the home to the city systems is blocked, wastewater from the home will not pass through. Instead of going to the underground city sewer lines in the street, it will build inside the pipes until it eventually backs up into your home.

Signs that your main sewer drain is clogged

Here are the signs you will see in your home when there is a clog in your main sewer line.

Plumbing fixtures are clogged at the same time

Depending on how you manage your home’s plumbing, you may experience clogged drains from time to time. But when this happens, it is either the toilet, sink, or shower drain is clogged.

You usually shouldn’t have multiple fixtures clogged at the same time. If you find that two or more of the drains in the main level of your home are clogged, you may want to inspect your main sewer lines.

Toilets that won’t flush

This is one of the clearest signals that your main sewer line is in trouble. Toilet drains can get clogged as a result of flushing non-flushable items down the toilet. If you hear a gurgling sound from a toilet whenever you use a sink, bathtub or washing machine, it’s a sign that your main drain may have problems.

Blocked tubs and showers

A clog in the main sewer drain will show up in the shower and tub before you see signs of it in the sinks. That’s because shower and tub drains sit at a lower level than sink drains. 

As a result, issues with the main drain will become evident in those lower drain openings first. If shower and tub drains are filling with wastewater or draining slowly, you could have a clog in your main drain.

Strange reactions when using a sink

Typically, you will not experience backflow of wastewater at the sink because sinks are at a higher level than toilets and showers. But you may have trapped air in the sink drain if your main sewer line is clogged. 

Another sign to look for is gurgling sounds from the toilet closest to the sink or a change in water level inside the toilet bowl whenever you run water in the sink.

Overflow/backup when using the washing machine

If your main sewer drain is clogged, one of the signs is when draining water out of your washing machine, the toilet to overflow or results in backflow inside a tub or shower drain. If this problem is also accompanied by toilets that do not flush properly, you can be sure that your main sewer line is blocked.

What to do if your main sewer drain is clogged

Follow these steps if you think the main sewer drain in your home is blocked:

  • This is not a problem you can solve by yourself. Get a drain specialist to inspect the main sewer lines; they have the tools to correctly diagnose and quickly solve the problem.
  • Do not run the water in your home or flush any toilet. As long as you do not send more wastewater into your sewer drains, the problem will not get worse. Wait for the specialist to arrive.
  • To make sure a faucet in the home is not accidentally opened, shut off the water supply to the entire home from the main shut-off valve (not the shut off valve for individual fixtures).

What if after the drain cleaning specialist has camera inspected your main sewer line, they determine that the problem is from the city sewer lines? What can you do in this situation? For issues with the city sewers, talk to city officials. The city sewer line is outside your line of authority.