Every drain and toilet in your home runs to your sewer main. When your main sewer drain is clogged, your house will tell you that something is terribly wrong. The message can take various forms. Your toilet might gurgle when your washing machine drains, for example. Or worse, sewage may seep up into your basement floor drain or into a bathtub drain.

If you suspect you might have a clogged sewer line, keep reading to learn more. Or you can call Mr. Rooter® Plumbing for fast, professional help.

What Causes a Clogged Sewer Drain Line?

Do you have any mature trees in your yard? If so, you’re at greater risk of a sewer line clog because tree roots are the primary culprit behind clogged sewer mains. Seeking water and nutrients, roots can grow into the tiny cracks where pieces of pipe fit together. As the root grows and expands, it creates leaks and eventually, masses of roots can completely fill and block the pipe.

Another common reason why your main sewer drain might be clogged is flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. Not sure what should and should not be flushed? Keep it simple: if it’s not toilet paper or human waste, don’t flush it. Many people mistakenly believe that personal wipes and tissues (Kleenex) can be flushed, but it’s simply not true. These materials tend not to break down easily and are prone to clogging sewer lines.

How to Tell If You Have a Sewer Drain Clog

A clogged sink drain or toilet is a nuisance, but a sewer main blockage is a whole different problem. It can stop all of your toilets and drains from functioning.

Here are a few telltale signs of a clogged sewer drain line:

  • Sewer gases are seeping up from your tub, shower, or sink drains.
  • Multiple sinks in the house drain slowly.
  • When you flush a toilet, a sink drain gurgles.
  • Your toilet water level fluctuates on its own.
  • Water flows out of your sewer cleanout.

If you’re experiencing more than one of the above symptoms in your home, it’s time to call a plumber.

So You Have a Clogged Sewer Line, Now What?

If you think your main sewer line is clogged, don’t delay—it’s time to call a professional plumber for help. The experts at Mr. Rooter use specialized tools like video cameras, powered drain snakes, and HydroScrub® Jetting to locate and eliminate stubborn sewer clogs.

Your local Mr. Rooter will resolve your sewer drain clog quickly and effectively. Click to request an estimate or call us today.

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