Sewer Main Plumbing Problems

The Cause of Clogs in Sewer Mains

It’s a safe bet to say that if homeowners were asked to raise their hand if they enjoyed dealing with plumbing clogs of any kind, not one hand would raise. It doesn’t matter if the clog is in the shower drain, the kitchen sink, the toilet, or somewhere else, it’s all bad news. Clogs are awkward and uncomfortable, and they can lead to bad smells, poor sanitation, and embarrassment. But one of the worst clogs that can occur is in the sewer main. If a clog happens here, the wastewater can reverse and come back towards the house.

In this article, homeowners can learn more about clogged main lines, why they happen, and how to prevent them. 

Start With the Basics: What is the Main Sewer Line?

The sewer’s main line runs below the house at the lowest point in the home. The wastewater from any and every drain and pipe in the house flows down the pipes until it reaches the main line. From here, the main line allows the wastewater to move away from the house, taking it to either a city connection or a septic tank. If this pipe gets clogged, things can get hairy pretty quick. 

A clog in the main line means that the wastewater is trying to flow away from the home, but there’s nowhere for it to go, so it moves back towards the house and can re-enter through the drains.

When to Call a Sewer Services Company

A main line clog is not one to ignore. If left alone, the wastewater entering back into the home can lead to an unsanitary and uncomfortable reality that can lead to health concerns or additional damage to the plumbing system and house.

There are several causes of main line clogs.

• If a pipe ruptures or corrodes, it can lead to damaged pipes that result in a clog.
• If the sewer line starts to sag due to ground or soil conditions, it creates a dip in the line where it is more prone to clogging.
• If items are washed or flushed through the plumbing system that are not meant to go down a drain, this also leads to main line clogs.

The thing to keep in mind is that no matter what caused the main line clog in the first place, a situation like this should be treated by a professional as soon as possible.

Mindfulness Tips to Prevent Sewer Main Clogs

Though clogs are a hassle to deal with, there are steps that homeowners can take to prevent them from happening. It mostly comes down to the mindfulness of homeowners. Watch what is being put down the drain. The only thing that should be flushed down a toilet is toilet paper. Not wipes, not cotton balls, not floss, not paper towels, not tissues, nothing else. Just toilet paper. 

When in the kitchen, watch what is put down the kitchen sink. Large amounts of grease from cooking should be put into a separate jar and thrown away. When grease is poured down the drain, it will harden in the pipes and is a sure way to cause a clog. If not in the main line, somewhere else in the plumbing system. 

Lastly, homeowners should be mindful of the signs. Frequent backups in the drain, multiple clogged fixtures, or parts of the yard that start to sag are all common signs of main line clogs. And the faster the problem can be spotted, the faster the problem can be fixed. 

About Sewer Squad Plumbing & Drain Services

The professional team at Sewer Squad Plumbing & Drain Services has been handline home plumbing problems for over 20 years. Their team is specially trained with the industry’s most advanced tools and techniques, so customers can enjoy continued use of their home’s plumbing no matter what the issue may be.

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