Licensed Plumber To Fix Blocked Sewer Lines
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What to be vary of when sewer drains blocked?
When a sewer line is blocked or clogged and it starts to overflow, the waste matter will seep back up through your drains and into your home. If left untreated, this can be extremely hazardous for both you and your family.
A blocked sewer drain can lead to unsanitary conditions in your home such as mold, mildew, or pest infestation. This can affect both your health and the value of your property.
What Are The Signs Of A Blocked Sewage Drain?
Signs that a sewer trap is blocked or clogged can be a foul odor or a buildup of sludge in the sink. This sludge will overflow and create a stench in your kitchen sink. It’s important to have a professional plumber take a look at the problem to ensure proper drainage. In severe cases, it could lead to sewage backup into your home.
Factors That May Cause Blocked Sewage Lines
A blocked sewer drain is a common plumbing issue that can be caused by a number of factors. In order to deal with this problem, you need to take the time to investigate what caused the blockage in the first place and how it should be fix. Blocked sewers can cause a variety of issues from flooding to hazardous waste overflow. There are many things that can be done in order to prevent a blockage from happening or make a timely resolution for when one does happen.
The most common factors for blocked sewer pipes are:
- Tree roots. Tree roots can enter the sewer system through cracks in the pipe and cause clogs and backups. They can be caused by trees that overhang the pipe, or trees that have grown up close to the pipe’s surface.
- Grease/fat buildup is a major factor in clogged drain pipes because it coats the inside of the pipe and prevents water from flowing.
- Items too large for the pipe or materials that have been flushed down toilets
- Toilet paper
To avoid blockages in your sewer drain, you should regularly clean your kitchen sink with hot water and detergent. Try to keep the sink clean when cooking or washing dishes.
How do I get rid of a sewage blockage?
Clearing a sewage blockage can be a challenging and potentially hazardous task, often requiring professional intervention, especially if the blockage is significant or located deep within the sewage system. However, here are some steps you can take to try and clear a minor sewage blockage:
1. Identify the Blockage Location
- Determine if the blockage is localized (affecting only one drain) or widespread (affecting multiple drains or toilets in the house), which could indicate a blockage in the main sewer line.
2. Use a Plunger
- For a localized blockage, such as a clogged toilet or drain, first try using a plunger. Ensure you have a good seal around the drain opening and use vigorous plunging motions to dislodge the blockage.
3. Plumbing Snake or Drain Auger
- A hand-cranked or motorized plumbing snake can be used to reach deeper into the drain to break up or retrieve the blockage. Carefully feed the snake into the drain until you feel resistance, then rotate it to clear the obstruction.
4. Enzymatic Drain Cleaners
- For minor blockages, enzymatic drain cleaners can offer a less harsh alternative to chemical cleaners. These products use natural bacteria or enzymes to break down organic waste in the pipes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
5. Inspect and Clean Vent Pipes
- Sometimes, blocked vent pipes can affect your home’s drainage system, leading to slow drains or backups. Check the roof vent pipes for obstructions, such as leaves or bird nests, and clear them as necessary.
6. Check the Clean-Out
- Your property should have a sewer clean-out, which is a direct access point to the sewer line. If accessible and safe, you can remove the cap to relieve pressure and possibly clear some blockages. Be prepared for sewage flow when opening the clean-out.
7. Professional Help
- If the blockage persists or if you’re dealing with a main line blockage, it’s time to call a professional plumber or a sewer line cleaning service. They have specialized tools like motorized augers and hydro-jetters to effectively clear severe blockages and can also perform camera inspections to diagnose the problem.
Safety Precautions
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, goggles, and other protective gear when dealing with sewage to avoid contact with harmful bacteria and pathogens.
- Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: Chemical cleaners can be harmful to your health, your pipes, and the environment. They may also not be effective against major blockages and can complicate professional cleaning efforts later.
Preventing Future Blockages
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down toilets. Be mindful of what goes down your kitchen sink, and use strainers to catch debris.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your drains and consider periodic professional inspections of your sewer line to identify and address potential issues before they lead to blockages.
Given the health risks and potential for significant property damage associated with sewage blockages, when in doubt, it’s advisable to contact professionals to handle the situation safely and effectively.
How do you unblock a main sewer drain?
Unblocking a main sewer drain is a significant task that often requires professional equipment and expertise due to the potential for health hazards and the complexity of sewer systems. However, if you’re experienced in home maintenance and have the right tools, here are steps you can take to attempt to clear a blockage in a main sewer drain:
1. Locate the Main Clean-Out
The first step is to locate your main sewer clean-out line, which is usually a short, capped pipe sticking out of the ground, often located near the perimeter of your home or in the basement. This clean-out provides direct access to your main sewer line.
2. Open the Clean-Out
Wearing protective gloves, goggles, and old clothes, slowly remove the clean-out cap. Be cautious, as removing the cap can release built-up pressure in the sewer line, potentially causing sewage to spill out.
3. Inspect for Obstructions
Use a flashlight to look into the clean-out for any visible obstructions near the opening. If you see a clog within reach, try to remove it carefully using a tool like pliers or a hook. Never use your hands.
4. Use a Sewer Drain Snake (Auger)
For clogs deeper within the sewer line, a large, motorized drain snake (or sewer auger) is often required. You can rent these from hardware stores if you don’t own one. Feed the snake into the clean-out opening and extend it until you feel resistance from the clog. Use the machine to break through the blockage, which might take several attempts. Be prepared for sewage to flow back towards you when the clog is cleared.
5. Flush with Water
Once you’ve penetrated the blockage with the auger, it’s a good idea to flush the lines with a large volume of water to help clear remaining debris. You can use a garden hose inserted into the clean-out or run water from various fixtures in your home.
6. Camera Inspection
Professional plumbers often use a camera to inspect sewer lines after clearing a blockage to ensure the line is fully open and to identify any potential issues like breaks, cracks, or tree root intrusion. Consider hiring a professional for this service if you’re not sure the blockage is completely cleared or if you suspect other issues.
7. Consider Professional Help
Due to the complexity and potential health hazards of dealing with sewer lines, it’s often best to hire a professional plumber or sewer line cleaning service, especially if:
- The blockage is too difficult to clear.
- You encounter signs of a more serious problem, like a collapsed pipe.
- You’re not comfortable using the required tools.
Safety and Prevention
- Safety Gear: Always wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and boots, to protect against bacteria and hazardous gases.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your sewer line to prevent future blockages, being mindful of what you flush down your toilets and pour down your drains.
- Tree Roots: If tree roots are a recurring problem, you might need to consider root removal treatments or more significant repairs.
Clearing a main sewer drain can be a messy and challenging job, and there are significant risks involved in dealing with sewage. If you’re in any doubt, it’s safer and often more cost-effective in the long run to hire a professional.