Having a main sewer clog is a serious plumbing situation that, if not handled properly, may result in expensive repair costs.
The best way to avoid this is by identifying and fixing the root of the problem quickly before it gets worse. Here are some tell-tale signs you should look out for if you suspect that your main sewer line is clogged:
Having multiple backed-up drains (showers, toilets, sinks, bathtubs, etc.). This is one of the most common signs your main sewer line is clogged.
Slow drains
Lush vegetation along your main sewer line
Foul smells around your main sewer line
Depressions along your main sewer line
All the signs above are usually as a result of different causes of clogs.
While many causes of main sewer clogs can be avoided, some occur naturally and the only thing we can do about them is to fix them as fast as possible.
Here are some of the main causes of main sewer clogs and how you can avoid them:
Root Intrusion
Root intrusion occurs when roots from surrounding vegetation bore through your main sewer and clog it. Root intrusion has a snowball effect where sewage leaking from the main sewer line attracts even more roots, which cause further blockage.
To avoid this, never let your main sewer line pass through an area that’s close to trees and shrubs. Always clear out all vegetation that is close to your main sewer line.
Using Your Drain to Dispose of Oil and Grease
This is the most common cause of main sewer clogs because people do it thinking that it will be okay if they pour hot water down the drain afterward.
In reality, hot water never helps. By the time the hot water gets to the main sewer line, it usually has cooled down together with the grease, which then sticks to the internal surface of the pipe and causes clogs.
To avoid this, never pour oil or grease down your drains. Instead, package it in biodegradable materials and throw it in the trash.
Operating and Parking Heavy Machinery/Vehicles On Your Main Sewer Line
When you operated heavy machinery or park vehicles on top of your main sewer line, it may get bent downward and create a depression within the pipe.
As a result, sewage may collect in this depression and solidify over time. This can cause a main sewer clog.
To avoid this, always avoid parking or operating heavy machinery and vehicles over the main sewer line.
Throwing Garbage Down the Drain
When it comes to this, the top culprits include paper, diapers, and other household items.
Your drainage system is not designed to handle such materials and as a result, it gets clogged up. To avoid this, only dispose of human waste and water down your drains.
If You Think You Have a Main Sewer Clog, Call Alamo Plumbing Solutions Today!
Failing to address the main sewer clog can result in very expensive repair costs. To avoid this, always call us when you have plumbing issues!
Whether you have a clogged sink, a slow draining sink, or need information on how to clear a slow drain, our customer service team is always happy to help!