Every home in experiences a drain clog from time to time. And most of them are easy to eliminate with the proper use of a plunger and the magic mixture of baking soda and vinegar. But when you discover that all of the drains in your home are slow to clear, making odd noises, or backing up, the problem is far more severe. These are signs of a sewer line clog. And it requires immediate attention from a licensed plumber to avoid a flood of raw sewage in your home.
Why Your Sewer Line Is Essential
Unlike the multiple drain lines in your home, there is only one sewer line connecting all the drains in your home to the city sewer system. And when that sole sewer line becomes clogged or damaged, there is no way to evacuate dirty water and sewage from your home. That means no water running down the sink or shower drains and no flushing toilets until a professional plumber can correct the issue.
The Causes Of Sewer Line Clogs
Ideally, you can follow a few simple tips and avoid most of the sewer line clogs that other homes in the area are dealing with on a regular basis. Two of the top four causes of clogged sewer lines are very much within your control. And of the remaining two, you do have some influence over one of the potential clog makers.
- Your toilets are only meant to handle toilet paper and human waste. But many homeowners look at this fixture as a magic trash can that makes anything disappear. However, those items often do not go very far from your drain line. Paper towels, tissues, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and hair eventually make their way to your sewer line. Here they create a massive and troublesome clog. Eliminate all the non-flushable items to avoid many sewer line clogs.
- Much like your toilet, your garbage disposal gets much abuse. It is not a trash can. And it should only be expected to handle tiny bits of food rinsed from dishes and cookware. Place a mesh strainer over your disposal to trap larger debris and throw it in the trash to avoid costly sewer line issues in your future.
- You have no control over tree roots once they start growing towards the water in your sewer line. But you can control where those trees are planted. Never place trees or large shrubbery near your sewer line. The roots will thrive once they discover all of the water and natural fertilizer inside your sewer line. And soon, you will be calling your plumber for emergency service.
- Finally, you really have no control over damage to your sewer line from shifting soil, sinkage or sagging. And old age catches up to everything, including your home’s sewer line. Cracks from old age or shifting soil allow dirt to enter the pipe and sewage to leak out. Once this process begins, it will only get worse until the damage is repaired or the line is replaced. Fortunately, new techniques and technology make sewer line repairs and replacements far less invasive and costly than they once were. Trenchless sewer line repair and replacement are often an option to restore a worn-out sewer line past its prime of 25 to 30 years of reliable service.
For emergency sewer line clog removal and repair at your home, call (818) 740-6830. The pros at Turbo Plumbing & Rooter are available 24/7 to restore the flow of water and sewage from your home and avert the costly contamination of your home.
