When buying a home, most people are aware that they would have to deal with maintenance concerns, but many don’t consider the plumbing system. Learn the four indications that your sewage line is clogged and what to do about it.
What Is Your Main Sewer Line?
Your home’s sewage system is made up of a single main sewer line and a number of pipes that branch out to connect to sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and other water sources. All waste from your home must be transported through your main sewage line to the main sewer system, where it is then carried to the water treatment facility.
All of your home’s plumbing systems are impacted by the main sewage line, so if a blockage is not swiftly resolved, it might become a costly (and perhaps nasty) issue. Following are some signs that your main sewer line is clogged:
BACKFLOW IN YOUR SINK OR TOILET
Water backing up in the sink or toilet is one of the first indications that there is an issue with the main sewage system. You could see water rushing back up from a drain and hear gurgling noises. If the backup was an isolated occurrence, the plumbing in only that one area of the house would be impacted.
For instance, a backed-up toilet won’t enter the kitchen sink. If you flush the toilet and water comes up from the basement drain, the main line is probably the cause of the issue.
SLOW DRAINS
When washing your hands, taking a shower, or doing the dishes, pay attention to the drains. Hair frequently clogs shower drains, causing the water to flow more slowly. But if your home’s drains are slow in several locations, you probably have a blockage in the main line. If your house frequently experiences sluggish drainage, you might want to inspect your main line.
UNUSUAL SMELLS
If you have a clogged sewage line, you could smell something unpleasant coming from your sink, bathtub, or basement drains. You most certainly have a blocked pipe if you smell sewage. Watch out for sewage that is being sent back up via drains on the floor or in the sink.
YARD FLOODING
Your main line may be clogged if water is accumulating in your yard. Because sewer pipes are several feet below, you might not first detect issues. Standing water in your yard and a strange odor are signs of a sewage line obstruction. Before the water breaks the surface, you could smell anything.
Where Is the Main Sewer Line of Your Property?
Your basement, garage, or crawl area should have inside access to your main sewer line. The main line’s pipe has a screw cap and a diameter of around 4 inches.
You could also find your main sewer pipe outdoors in your yard. Check the area around your home’s foundation or the area beside the public sewer pipes close to the street.
What Causes a Blocked Main Sewer Line?
Your main sewer line may clog for a number of reasons. Among the most good points are:
- Damaged Or Broken Pipe
- The Sewage Pipe Being Invaded By Tree Roots
- Repeatedly Flushing Dangerous Items (Hygiene Products, Toys, Food, Diaper Wipes, Etc.)
- The Kitchen Sink Was Filled With Grease And Oils.
- Several Blockages In Various Drains
- Extreme Temperature Changes
By making sure that only toilet paper is flushed down toilets, you can keep your sewage line free. Keep a watch on your lawn and have the main line checked by a professional every two years to spot any possible issues early.
How to Handle a Blocked Sewer Line
Hire a local sewage plumber in your neighborhood to check the pipes if you think your blocked toilet is a more serious issue. A plumber will try to find the issue by inserting a camera into the pipes. They can provide you a list of sewage line repair options once they identify the troublesome spot.
If your sewage line is clogged for whatever reason, you might need to:
- Clear the primary line (remove debris or roots)
- Repairing a damaged pipe
- Utilizing a sewage rod, remove debris
- completely replace the sewage line
How Much Does a Sewer Line Repair Cost?
In order to prevent having to pay for a completely new sewage line, it is ideal that you will be able to identify the signs of a blocked main line early on. However, if you acquired the issue when you bought your house, it could be impossible to prevent.
Expect to pay between $50 and $125 per foot to repair the sewage line. For sewage line replacement or repair, the typical consumer pays between $1,200 and $6,000.
You should also be aware that the majority of typical homeowner insurance plans do not provide coverage for the expense of replacing a sewage line. Sewer coverage may be an additional option offered by certain insurers, but you’ll need to speak with them directly to learn more about the details of your policy.
