Warning Signs of a Potential Sewer Backup

There are often Warning Signs your Sewer Lines are Clogged

When your sewage line begins to back up in your home’s plumbing system, it can lead to a variety of damages and issues, which can be both very alarming and dangerous. The longer this is ignored, the worse it could get and the more harm it could end up doing.

Warning Signs of a Potential Sewer Backup

Signs a Sewage Backup Might Be Coming

However, the good news is that, by being aware of the symptoms of a sewage backup, you can act quickly to resolve the problem and limit more damage. Then, let’s look at some of the most common signs that indicate you could have a sewage blockage.

 

Sewage-like Odors Coming from the Drain

Your drains’ main function is to carry sewage outside of your home and away from it. Therefore, any unpleasant odor coming from the drains or any sewage odor that lingers in your home could be an indication of a mainline sewage backup.

 

Bubbling Toilets or Drains

When you are using your toilets and drains, you may find air bubbles coming up through them. This is likely a sign that wastewater is not moving through your plumbing system as it should. It will start to back up if this starts to happen often since it has nowhere else to go. Therefore, keep an eye out for any bubbling toilets and drains since these could be warning signs of a backed-up sewer.

 

Slow Draining in Multiple Fixtures

You will have numerous slow-moving drains if wastewater cannot move through the sewage line and pipes. As the backup creeps up the plumbing and sewer line, this type of issue typically starts with the lowest drains in the home. This means that, if wastewater is clearing slowly from your basement or first-floor drains, you could be experiencing a sewage backup.

 

Clogs in Multiple Drains at Once

Essentially, this sign is similar to the last one in that it warns that there may be a sewage backup if more than one drain in your home is clogged and not allowing wastewater to travel through. Similar to issues with slow drainage, these obstructions will first affect the lowest drains in the house.

 

Sewage Coming Out of a Cleanout Pipe

In case you weren’t aware, the sewage cleanout pipe is a capped pipe that gives you access to the sewer line directly. Now, sewage is forced up through the cleanout pipe, which is either outside or in the basement, when your sewer line backs up. Therefore, if you see sewage draining from a pipe in your basement or yard, this is another indication that sewage is backing up.

 

Sewage Blockage Can Lead to Severe Health Concerns for Your Family

Your home may incur water damage from sewer line backup. Additionally, that backup releases airborne and physical toxins that could be harmful to your health. A whole variety of additional illnesses, including gastroenteritis, can be contracted by coming into personal contact with or breathing raw sewage.

It is important to take any symptoms seriously. You should seek medical attention. Anyone suffering from such conditions must drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration, which could cause further complications.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, be sure to call a plumber straight away!

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