Living With Plumbing Problems? Signs The Trouble May Be Inside The Main Sewer Line

2 September 2017
 Categories: , Blog


When it comes to your residential plumbing, there are some problems that are easy to identify. For instance, you can tell right away when your faucet is leaking, or your water heater goes out. However, when your main sewer line is having problems, the issues can be more difficult to pinpoint. That is, until the issue gets out of hand. When that happens, you know you have a problem because there will be raw sewage backing up into your tub. Luckily, you don't have to let the problem go that far. In fact, before your main sewer line completely backs up and fails you, it will give you a few warning signs. Here are three of the warning signs you need to be aware of. If you're living with any of these issues, you need to contact a plumber immediately:

Clog Between Separate Tubs

If you've got a clogged bathtub drain, chances are pretty good that you're dealing with a messy hair clog. That problem can easily be cleared with a plumbers snake. However, if you've got issues with both of your tubs, you're probably not looking at a simple clog, especially if one tub backs up into the other one. If you're noticing a clog in both your tubs, try this simple test. Fill one tub with several inches of water. Use a plunger to clear the drain. If the water drains from that tub but comes up in the other tub, you've got a problem with your main sewer line.

Bubbles in the Toilet

Under normal conditions, your toilet should not bubble. If it is, there's a good chance that your main sewer line is about to fail you. When your main sewer line is about to fail, air can get trapped inside the line. When it does, you'll begin to notice bubbles in the toilet, especially when the sinks are being used. To identify a problem with the sewer line that's affecting the toilets and the sinks, turn the faucet on in your bathroom sink and allow it to run for several minutes. If the toilet begins to bubble, you've got a problem that will require a professional plumber.

Wash Water Backs Up into Toilet

Problems with your main sewer line can also affect the way your washing machine and toilets interact. The next time you do your laundry, pay attention to your toilets, especially when the washing machine is draining. If the main sewer line is clear between the washing machine and the sewer, the water will drain properly. However, if the water level in the toilet goes up when the washing machine is draining, you're facing a potential collapse of your main sewer line.

Don't wait until your main sewer line collapses If you recognize any of the signs described here, it's time to contact a plumber and have your sewer line inspected. Contact a company like All Clear for more information and assistance. 


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