A mainline sewer drain clog, or sewer stoppage, is no laughing matter. When contaminated water backs up out of your drain and other fixtures, it can pose a severe health risk to your family. It also requires emergency plumbing services to fix. Never ignore the following hints that may indicate you are facing an urgent sewer line issue.

How to Tell If You’re Dealing With a Sewer Stoppage

1. Multiple Backups 

Often, more than one fixture will be backed up when there is a sewer stoppage. You may notice the toilets, showers, sinks, or bathtubs gurgling, draining slowly, or smelling bad if the main sewer line is blocked. These issues occur because every drain line in your residence is supposed to carry used water away from the home and transport it towards the main sewer line. If there is a blockage, the water will have nowhere to go but back up and out into your fixtures’ drains.

2. Unusual Plumbing Behavior

If you notice the fixtures behaving strangely, you probably have a clogged main sewer line. For instance, you may notice water backing up in the shower drain as soon as you flush the toilet. Another example is when a sink overflows the moment you operate the washing machine. This happens because when there’s a sewer stoppage and water that you force down one drain gets diverted to another outlet.

3. Sewage in Your Sewer Cleanout

Sewage that is draining out of or standing in your sewer cleanout commonly points to a sewer line clog. It might be difficult to locate your cleanout fitting, but knowing where it is can save time when plumbers need to check the sewer line. A cleanout is directly connected to the main sewer line and is usually in the basement, near a toilet, or next to an exterior wall. Typically, it will be a pipe with a lid labeled “cleanout” or “sewage.” Plumbing contractors will try to clear the main sewer line by accessing the sewer cleanout. 

Sewer stoppage can be costly and dangerous for your family if you don’t deal with it right away. Plumbing experts at H2O Specialists in Kerrville, TX, can promptly diagnose your water system and efficiently perform the necessary drain cleaning or plumbing repairs. Call them today at (830) 895-7575 to speak to a knowledgeable representative, or visit their website to know more about their services.