The drains in your home lead to a single outlet and connect to a sewer line. This line ejects waste into the municipal system, and when it backs up, it can create serious problems at home. It’s crucial to understand how clogs occur so you can prevent them and recognize when to call a drain cleaning professional. Below is a helpful guide to help you detect early symptoms. 

Understanding Sewer Line Clogs

Causes

Flushing items down your drains is a leading cause of sewer line clogs. Grease and cooking fats coat the inside of pipes and capture passing debris, creating masses that back up the line. Diapers, feminine hygiene products, non-soluble chemicals, coffee, and starchy foods are a few other examples of items that should never go down the drain.

Tree roots are another problem. They search for moisture and eventually break into the sewer line, leading to clogs and leaks. Shifting soil, or stress on soil can also break the sewer line. Many homeowners unknowingly do this by driving heavy equipment over the area where the line is buried.

Symptoms

Initially, you may notice that your drains are slow and emit a gurgling noise. They’ll begin to clog regularly and waste will back up into your home, creating a health hazard. If the grass above the sewer line is greener and lusher than the rest of your yard, waste may be leaking from the line to your soil. 

Solutions

Contact a drain cleaning professional if you detect any of these symptoms. They’ll first try rooting the drain with a high-powered snake tool. If they suspect tree roots are the culprit, they may first use a snake with a video scope attached to the end to inspect your plumbing. They can then use the tool to break up the roots.

More significant clogs or ruptures will require digging up the sewer line. Professionals can remove damaged portions and replace them with new parts. This is a costly process, which is why it’s wise to always seek assistance when early symptoms occur.

Whether you need drain cleaning services or preventive maintenance, a plumber at American Rooter Sewer & Septic Service can help. This Albany, OR, plumbing repair and septic service company provides comprehensive system maintenance. From sewer cleaning to general inspections, they’ll ensure your plumbing is running smoothly. Call (541) 926-1185 to speak with a representative and connect on Facebook for news and updates. You can learn more about their company online.