IDENTIFYING & FIXING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SEWER

The sewer lines on your property serve an absolutely vital function, without which most of modern life would simply not be possible. For everything from cooking to laundry to cleaning to bathtime, the sewer line is responsible for bringing wastewater safely away from the property. It’s something very few of us ever give any conscious thought to – until the water starts moving in the wrong direction. Left untreated, backups in your sewer line can result in property damage and hygiene issues. This is why it is so important to understand the signs of sewer line blockages and address them as early as possible.

If you notice any of the following signs in your property’s plumbing, it is critical that you reach out to your plumbing team straight away.

YOU ARE EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE DRAIN CLOGS

It is hardly uncommon for a single drain to get clogged. It isn’t ideal for the system, but it isn’t generally something to get worked up about as long as it gets fixed in a timely manner. When multiple drains get clogged all at once, however, it is extremely unlikely that it’s a coincidence. This is a common occurrence when the main sewer line is clogged and affecting multiple sinks on the property, and should be treated as an urgent matter to address.

BUBBLE, BUBBLE – IT MEANS TROUBLE

If you notice that your sink, tub, or toilet is routinely bubbling when it drains, this could be cause for concern. These bubbles form when water is trying to push past a clog and air gets trapped in it. For similar reasons, if you notice gurgling sounds every time you use a particular drain, there could be problems that need to be fixed.

WATER IS BACKING UP INTO OTHER DRAINS

When water from one drain begins backing up into another, this is a clear sign that there is a significant blockage in your system. An example would be if flushing the toilet resulted in gurgling sounds in your shower. When this happens, you could have a very serious problem and would be wise to address it quickly.

TOILETS ARE NOT FLUSHING PROPERLY

This is one of the most common indicators of a problem with your sewer line. If you notice that your toilet is slow to flush and plunging does not seem to be helpful, the issue could be further up the sewer line.

It is not necessary to spell out the unpleasantness associated with sewer failures – suffice to say that decisive action is always better. The damage to your home and plumbing system could be extensive, and is often avoidable with enough forewarning.

HOW DO I PREVENT FUTURE SEWER BACKUPS?

There are several steps you can take to help safeguard your sewer line and prevent issues like these from occurring.

Homeowners can help prevent sewer problems by:

• Properly disposing of grease: Over time, fats, oils, and grease that are poured down the drain will begin to coat the inside of the pipe until it eventually completely clogs. Instead, pour it in a heat-resistant container until it has cooled and throw it away in the trash. There are also powders available that harden the oil and allow for easier disposal.
• Properly disposing of paper products: Toilet paper and bodily waste are the only things that should be flushed. End of story. Paper towels, hygienic wipes, and feminine products all cause significant problems when flushed, even if they claim to be flushable. Avoid the trouble entirely by simply disposing of these items in the garbage.
• Having traps or hair catchers on all drains: This can make a world of difference – from keeping hair out of the shower drain to keeping the kitchen sink free of food that should not go through the garbage disposal, traps are a cheap and simple solution to a potentially expensive problem.

Whether you suspect that there may be issues with your sewer line or you are face-to-face with the ugly truth, Titanium Plumbing & Heating will be here to help you.

Give us a call at (201) 355-5582 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment with a member of our team!