Whether your home is connected to a municipal sewage system or relies on a septic tank, it has a main sewer line that safely diverts waste away from your home. Unlike a single clogged drain, a blockage in the main sewer line will affect the entire plumbing system. Thus, drain service experts stress the importance of fixing the issue right away. Here are a few signs of a blockage.

How to Tell if You Have a Main Sewer Line Blockage

1. Multiple Clogged Drains

If you’re experiencing a single clogged drain, you may only need a drain cleaning for that particular fixture. However, if multiple sinks, toilets, and showers aren’t draining at the same time, the main sewage line blockage may be preventing any waste from being diverted from the property. This forces the waste to back up into the pipes and prevents new water from draining.

2. Strange Reactions When Using Plumbing Fixtures

You may notice unusual reactions from one fixture while using another. For example, if you flush a toilet and notice that water backs up into the shower or that the toilet water bubbles when running a sink, the sewer line is likely blocked. That’s because the water draining from one fixture can’t pass through the main sewer line and is diverted back into pipes that are connected to your other fixtures.

3. Excess Waste in the Sewer Cleanout Pipe

Look for a vertical running pipe that connects directly to the main sewer line; it’s designed to provide easy access to any blockages. If one is occurring in your main line, you’ll see raw sewage standing in or even draining out of the cleanout pipe. Even if you don’t see sewage actively spewing out of the pipe, check for wet spots or puddles surrounding it, as these mean the waste is not draining properly.

 

If you’re experiencing clogged drains or a blockage in your main sewer line, contact the drain repair experts at American Rooter in Watertown, CT. For almost 40 years, their plumbers have helped homeowners throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island with a variety of plumbing problems. Schedule an appointment by calling (860) 274-7338, or learn more by visiting them online.