Main sewer lines may run beneath its streets, but homeowners are responsible for the side sewer lines that connect their houses to where it connects to a municipal system. Should this line become damaged, it can have severe repercussions for their home.
One telltale sign that there may be something amiss with your main line is when toilets start gurgling or bubbling – an indicator that foreign objects have lodged themselves within it and blocked the flow.
If you notice toilets gurgling or bubbling, it’s a sign that there might be a blockage in your main sewer line – for expert assistance with any sewer-related concerns, visit https://www.diamondbackplumbing.com/.
1. High water bills
Homeownership requires upkeep on many fronts; they mow their lawn, clean drains, and maintain sewer lines – but sometimes, this part of the system slips their minds.
Regular drain pipe and sewer inspection is one of the best ways to save money on repairs while keeping your family healthy and safe in their environment.
If your water bill seems significantly higher than usual, this may indicate something amiss with the sewer line – whether due to the build-up of debris, tree roots, or broken or cracked pipework.
Plumbers use cameras to identify the source of an issue and then identify whether it is simply a simple clog or whether the entire sewer line requires repairs or replacement.
Once they know this information, they can estimate repair/replacement costs and provide valuable data if filing an insurance claim is necessary.
2. Clogged drains
Like any drain in your home, your main sewer line may become clogged over time. A clog causes water or sewage to back up into your plumbing fixtures, creating an extremely messy and smelly situation in your home.
If you hear an unusually loud gurgling noise from your shower, toilet, or sink, this could be a telltale sign that your main sewer line has become blocked. Gurgling noises come from air bubbles trapped inside pipes, an excellent indicator of an issue.
Strong sewage smells are another telltale sign it’s time to contact a plumber or sewer service company. A camera inspection, followed by drain cleaning or jetting, can quickly eliminate clogs.
A regular drain-cleaning regimen combined with an annual inspection can prevent major problems down the line; your service provider might recommend Hercules R-D Root Destroyer maintenance solution as a preventative measure that stops root intrusion into pipes.
You can apply this product anywhere around your home or at the site of root intrusion clogs to stop further growth and future clogs from occurring again.
3. Unusual behavior
If you detect bubbling around your toilet, water draining backward into the shower or laundry sink, or hearing gurgling noises coming from drains as symptoms of an overloaded sewer line, call your plumber immediately to arrange for service and have it unclogged as soon as possible.
Constant toilet clogs could be an indicator that you are flushing substances that cannot dissolve, such as paper towels, kitty litter or cooking grease.
A professional plumber can attempt to clear it using an auger or power drain snake; if this doesn’t work, they may open an access port near your home or remove a toilet to reach any obstruction further down the line.
An inspection can also help you establish responsibility for its overall condition, such as if damage occurs due to city work and is left undone by contractors hired for maintenance or construction projects.
A regular check can give peace of mind while helping avoid more expensive repairs in the future.
4. Increased wastewater
Your sewer line carries thousands of bacteria-filled toxins, dirt particles, and grime from your home to the city’s sewage system – but these pollutants could back up into your home when your line becomes clogged or damaged, potentially endangering you, your family, and your pets as well as being costly to fix.
Blocked toilets, sinks, or bathtubs are often the first sign that your sewer line needs inspection.
Sometimes, this issue can be resolved quickly with some basic remedies from a drain cleaner; other times, it could indicate more serious problems such as cracked pipes, offset joints, or even complete system collapse.
Video sewer inspections are often the best way to assess what is happening with your sewer lines. Though initially expensive, such an investment can save both money and hassle in the future.
Plus, getting professional inspections may even enable you to qualify for insurance coverage in case repairs become necessary later.
5. Flooding
If your plumbing seems to be draining slower than usual or you find that toilets are overflowing and sewage is backing up into sinks and bathtubs, this could indicate a potential sewer line blockage or damage issue in your home.
In such instances, calling a professional plumber is key to resolving them promptly.
Sewer line issues are both costly and hazardous to your health. Regular inspection and cleanings of your sewer line will help maintain its efficiency, helping avoid more serious issues.
A video inspection can also be beneficial when buying a new property, as it helps identify any potential problems that the previous owners might have overlooked or ignored.
6. Age of Your Sewer System: When to Consider Replacement
The age of your sewer system can be a significant factor in determining when to get your main sewer line checked. Many older homes still have original sewer lines made of materials like clay or cast iron, which can deteriorate over time.
If your home is more than 50 years old and you’re unsure about the condition of your sewer line, it’s wise to schedule an inspection.
Older sewer lines are more susceptible to cracks, corrosion, and tree root intrusion, making them prone to blockages and leaks. Regular inspections can help detect these issues early, allowing you to address them before they lead to extensive and expensive repairs.
In some cases, if your sewer line is beyond repair due to age-related deterioration, replacement may be the best option to ensure the long-term integrity of your plumbing system.
7. Seasonal Considerations: When Weather Affects Your Sewer Line
Seasonal changes can also impact the condition of your main sewer line. In colder climates, freezing temperatures can cause the ground to shift and lead to cracks or damage to your sewer line.
Additionally, tree roots tend to be more active in search of water during the warmer months, making spring and summer a critical time for potential blockages.
To minimize the risk of weather-related sewer line issues, consider scheduling inspections during the fall or early spring when the ground is less likely to be frozen, and tree roots are less active.
This proactive approach can help you identify and address any problems before they escalate into costly and inconvenient emergencies.
