What You Need to Know About Sewer Line Backups

If you notice a lingering, unpleasant smell that doesn’t go away when you clean your bathroom, this could be a sign that your main sewer line needs to be repaired. Don’t put this problem off! Here is what you need to know about sewer line backups.

Signs of a Clogged Main Sewer Line

Once the mainline is fully clogged, the signs become pretty obvious: lingering odor, multiple backed-up drains, and sewage in the floor drain all occur when there is a clog in the main pipe. A key way to tell that your primary drain pipe is clogged, as opposed to the drain in your kitchen sink, for example, is if a pipe backs up when you use water from another pipe. If you flush your toilet and immediately have sewage backed up into your shower, then you know your main sewer line is clogged.

Be prepared to look for sewer line repair in Utah if you notice any of the following:

• Multiple backed-up drains
• Drainage in outside sewer cleanout
• Backups in other pipes when running water
• Sewage in floor drain

Causes of Sewer Line Backups

Any longtime homeowner knows that time is the enemy of all things in a home. Like the human body, age can wreak havoc on a sewer system. The American Society of Civil Engineers claims that the average age of a sewer pipe is about 45 years old, meaning that you will likely have to deal with backed-up pipes in the near future if you have not already. Another common cause is growing tree roots. Trees need moisture, and their roots can sometimes grow in cracks in a sewer pipe. This can lead to clogs in your sewer line as the tree gets bigger.

Preventative Measures You Can Take

Preventing a backup in your main sewer line is always preferable to calling a plumber to fix it. Keeping an eye on the state of your pipes can help stop tree roots from growing in before they do too much damage. Properly disposing of grease and paper products, ensuring that they don’t get into your pipes, to begin with, can go a long way towards keeping your plumbing running smoothly.

When all else fails, recognizing the signs and getting sewer lien repair in Utah before it is too late can still keep sewage from flooding into your home. Listen for strange noises, gurgling when you run the water and strange odors. Finding fast, reliable sewer line repair in Utah is critical to avoid lasting damage to your home and to make sure your plumbing remains fully functional.