A clogged sewer line is an issue and you’ll probably want professional help. However, before you pick up the phone there is a couple of things that you can do.
Inspect the Pipes
The first thing to do is find a sewer camera for sale. These can be inserted inside your pipes and will give you a live feed of what they see. You’ll be able to spot any clogs or damage to the pipe and then you’ll know where the issue is in the pipes. This can make it easier to shift a clog.
Use Your Rods
Once you know where the clog is you’ll be able to insert drain rods. These connect together and slide through the pipes. By pushing and twisting you should be able to break up a clog and get the pipes working again.
But, wastewater can be under pressure, be carefully when rodding as you don’t want the sewage splashing up at you, it’s not good for your health.
If you’re wondering whether a clog is the issue then here are the 4 signs that you are dealing with a clogged sewer line.
Slow Draining Appliances
If your sink drains slower than normal then it’s likely things are clogging the pipe and slowing the flow. It’s important to note that one appliance draining slowly means an issue with the plumbing under the appliance.
You should note that all appliances have traps under them that contain water, these prevent odours from the sewer lines from entering your home. They are also a common cause of clogs. You can unscrew the pipes and clear them manually.
However, if more than one appliance is draining slowly the issue is likely to be with your sewer pipe. You’ll want to investigate further as quickly as possible.
Odours
If you can smell waste in the house then the odours are building up in the pipes and escaping into your home. The most common reason for this is that they have nowhere else to go. In other words, there is a clog in the pipes.
In a worst-case scenario, the wastewater will actually start backing up into the house. If the clog is in the main sewer line you may also smell the odours in your yard.
Lush Yard
A sewer line clog can often mean damage to your pipes. If this is the case the sewage is leaking under your garden. If you notice that one area of the yard, specifically an area over the sewer line, is doing better than the rest of the garden, you probably have a damaged sewer pipe causing a clog.
This can be complicated to repair, you may want to contact the professionals.
Blockage
This is the final sign that there is a clog in your lines when the water simply won’t drain and starts to fill up, instead of draining away. You will almost certainly have a clog and will need to take urgent action as it will no longer be possible to use your water appliances.
