How to Know If Your Sewer Line Is Clogged

How to Know If Your Sewer Line Is Clogged

5 February 2020
 Categories: , Blog


A malfunctioning or clogged sewer line is a health hazard and can be quite an unpleasant prospect. The tell-tale signs of a problem include foul smells, a bubbling toilet and wastewater overflowing in showers, tubs or sinks. These signs are enough to prompt you to call a professional plumber to fix the problem.

While most of these signs may be ignored or fixed temporarily, the underlying cause may cost you a fortune in future. Here are a couple of ways to tell when you are facing a blocked drain:

Water Overflowing in Different Fixtures

One of the common signs of a clogged sewer line is water overflowing in different fixtures. A sewer line gets clogged when water from one branch line is trying to drain away but is forced back into other fixtures by the main sewer clog. Water overflows at the lowest points, in this case, water fixtures in lower floors will start overflowing before the toilet, kitchen or bathroom are affected.

Here are some ways you can determine whether water is overflowing in fixtures:

  • Flush the toilet and look out for water gurgles
  • Use your washing machine and check for an overflow in the bathroom or shower drain
  • Turn on the bathroom sink and check whether the toilet water bubbles up or rises

If water overflows in any of these instances, then you are dealing with a clogged sewer line.

Check the Drainage in the Cleanout

A sewer cleanout as the short pipe or fitting connected to a drain pipe. It consists of a round, threaded plug with a nut-like square stub at one end. The cleanout is mostly found in the basement. Plumbers use this fitting to unblock the main drain. After you locate the cleanout, unlock the cap. The sewer line is clogged if water flows out of the pipe after opening its lid.

Drains With Root Intrusions

Roots move to pipes due to the moisture arising from condensation. When a pipe gets cracked, the roots will grow in it and eventually block the drains. These roots could also invade septic tank systems. In this light, you need to be keen where you put up utilities in your garden.

A clogged sewer line is something you do not want to experience as a homeowner. Not only does it cause blockages in your toilets, kitchen sinks and showers, it is also a health risk for you and your family. If you notice any of these signs, contact your nearest plumber to have the issue resolved before it is too late.

To learn more about blocked drains and clogged sewer lines, contact a plumber in your area.