A clogged sewer, while nothing to ignore, can be very difficult to detect. And that begs the question: how can you respond to something you don’t even know exists?
Simple enough: clogged sewer problems have several telltale symptoms you’ll want to become familiar with:
Multiple Clogged Fixtures
A clogged toilet is a common symptom of a clogged sewer, but more often than not a toilet problem is confined to the toilet. Still, if that toilet keeps backing up, then it’s time to start suspecting a sewer problem. Other drains commonly affected by a clogged seer include tub and shower. That’s because an underground drain problem travels upward and will impact the tub and shower first.
Flush the Toilet
If flushing the toilet results in water backing up or coming up into the tub or shower, chances are you have a clogged sewer. The flushed water that can’t go down the drain flows back up and comes out at the lowest point…again, usually the tub or shower drain.
Turn on a Sink Faucet
A sewer clog and result in trapped air inside your plumbing. You can check by turning off the water valve to the toilet for a minute or so. If the toilet bubbles or you can see the water level in the toilet rising, then the clog is very likely in the main sewer line, not the toilet.
Washing Machine
If the water draining out of the washing machine causes the toilet to overflow or backs up from the tub or shower drain, a sewer problem should be considered.
Drainage at The Clean-Out
If you have a main line clean-out, you have an additional way of verifying a sewer drain clog. Locate the clean-out, open it either by unscrewing or pulling up to remove the cap. Check for any accumulated waste or water. You should not be able to see the presence of either from an unclogged sewer.
Today, we invite you to contact Eagle Service Company for help with any sewer or drain problem you might be experiencing. That includes drain video inspection which typically saves time and money through prompt and precise problem diagnosis.
