Main drain and sewer lines are vital parts of your household’s plumbing system. While these drains lay hidden beneath your home, they have the potential to wreak havoc on your property. It’s not unusual for main drain and sewer lines to be kept out of mind; after all, they are out of sight. However, if you notice your drains are backing up, making noises or emitting a foul smell in your home, you likely have a plumbing problem that needs immediate attention. To save on time, money, and mess in your home, it’s essential to be able to recognize the telltale signs of a clogged main drain vs. a clogged sewer line and know when to call a professional for repair assistance!
What is the Difference Between a Main Drain and a Sewer Line?
While both main drains and sewer lines transport wastewater away from your home, there are critical differences between the two systems.
Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.
When you run water, flush the toilet or use your washing machine, water runs down the drain line in your house and into the main sewer line. From there, the water will flow through the main sewer drain outside of your home into your city’s sewer system or your septic tank.
Signs of a Clogged Main Drain
There are many warning signs you will notice when clogs start to form in your drains. Recognizing these signs can mean the difference between having a clog professionally cleared by drain experts or experiencing a severe mess of sewage water in your home.
Slow draining water in your bathtub, shower or sinks could indicate the start of a clog in your main drain.
Gurgling noises or water bubbling typically means there is a clog somewhere in your drain pipes. Air bubbles in your sink or toilet water could indicate that the water is unable to drain correctly.
Pools of water in the basement or near a drain in your home may be another clear sign of a clog coming from your floor drains. This could also indicate there is a blockage in your main sewer line as well.
Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line
The presence of a strong sewage smell in or around your home is one of the most evident signs of a backup in your sewer line. Well-maintained, sanitary sewer lines will never release an offensive odour into your home.
Soggy or constantly wet grass is a clear indication of a broken sewer line. Water could be leaking out of your sewer pipe, which has the potential to cause indentations or even sinkholes in your yard, not to mention an awful smell.
Multiple plumbing fixtures in your home clogging or backing up at the same time is a telltale sign of a sewer line clog. If you notice when you flush the toilet that water backs up into the shower, you likely have a mainline clog.
Sewage backup in your home means there is a severe clog in your main sewer line. Left unattended is not only unpleasant to deal with, but can also mean massive and expensive repairs.
Common Causes of Main Drain and Sewer Line Clogs
There are many things that can clog your main drain and sewer lines. Items that seem acceptable to go down the drain can still cause clogs if there is a build-up in the drain pipe. You may not know the source of the clog until it is professionally cleaned. So it’s essential to be mindful of what goes down your drains to keep them clean and clear. Possible sources of clogged drains could be:
- Hair build-up
- Grease
- Food particles
- Soap
- Excessive toilet paper
- Feminine products
- Wipes
- Tree roots (common causes of clogged or broken sewer lines)
If you’re interested in more information about what to keep out of your drains to avoid clogs, here are five things you should NEVER pour down your kitchen drain.
Your Main Drain and Sewer Line Need Repair. Now What?
If you are experiencing any of these signs, you need professional help to repair your main drain and sewer line. Constantly plunging your toilet or using excess chemicals to clear clogged drains won’t do the job correctly. Instead, you need to turn to a professional drain service to unclog your pipes for good.
At AtlasCare, we know the importance of keeping your household plumbing top of mind. Our team of drain experts will run a camera through your main drain line to diagnose the root cause of any blockages or cracks and provide you with solutions to clear them.
A clogged drain or backed-up sewer is a nightmare, but you can rest easy when the AtlasCare team is on the scene. If you have questions about your drains, call AtlasCare! We specialize in drain repair services, sewer backups and more. We don’t flirt with dirt! AtlasCare experts leave your home as clean as they found it. Our field staff follow strict COVID-19 protocols based on the direction of the CDC, so you can rest assured that your family and our team remain safe at all times!
