Sewer Line Problems | and what to do about them
You probably already know that the job of a sewer line is to transport waste from your home to underground sewer line mains. Beyond that, you likely don’t give your sewer line problems much thought–until an emergency or back-up occurs.
Sewer line problems clog could lead to raw sewage backing up out of the drains, which could lead to significant damage to the home. But when homeowners understand and respond to their home’s early warning system, they can avoid most severe sewer and plumbing issues.
We know that many of our customers in the Queen Creek, Mesa and Tempe areas are looking for ways to find a sewer line problem early, before complications occur. Here are a few things homeowners in the Phoenix valley can do:
Look for signs of a back-up
There are two red flags to look out for: water backing up out of a drain or the toilet and a gurgling sound coming up from the drains. Clogs can occur in the main sewer line or one of the secondary lines. If the clog is in the main line, that means any water you run in the house will cause problems (for example, after you run your washing machine, your toilet starts making a gurgling sound). If it’s a secondary line, it’s just going to be isolated to that secondary problem (like a toilet backing up into a bathtub).
Check for roots in your drain (and other culprits)
Tree roots are the primary cause of sewer line clogs, especially in older homes. In newer homes, common sources of clogging include feminine hygiene products, paper towels and even certain types of thicker toilet paper. A rainy season can cause changes in your yard that can impact your system as well.
Request an inspection if you are concerned
If you suspect that you have a clog, have a clear-out done. Sewer line cleaning companies typically run a cable (also known as a drain auger or snake) through the clog to clear it. If that doesn’t reveal the problem, many companies recommend a camera inspection.
Keep the line clear
Keep lines clear and avoiding plumbing problems by using Bio Ben on a regular basis. You can also take some of the pressure off once or twice a month. Simply fill your sinks to the top and then drain them. The water pressure will help ensure you have proper flow through the pipes and will move out any waste that’s sitting in the line.
If you need an inspection done of your sewer line or suspect that you have a clog that is better left to the professionals, contact Ben Franklin Plumbing AZ today. (602) 273-1740
