Most homeowners have experienced a slow drain or clogged toilet at some point. However, a main sewer line clog is a serious issue that should not be ignored.
A clogged main sewer line can lead to waste backflow, causing damage to your home and yard. The good news is, most clogs can be prevented!
Tree Roots
Almost every homeowner experiences a clogged drain or slow-running bathtub or sink from time to time. While minor clogs can often be cleared away with household tools, repeated blockages suggest a problem in your main sewer line. A professional plumber with specialized equipment can clear the line and restore normal flow.
Trees and shrubs near underground sewer lines send out long feeder roots in search of water and nutrients. These roots can easily infiltrate and clog pipes, especially those with seams. Some fast-growing trees, such as Willows and Hybrid Poplars, are more prone to root intrusion than others. To avoid this issue, plant these types of trees well away from the house and your sewer line. If a tree’s roots do infiltrate your sewer line, contact a plumbing specialist to have them removed before they cause a serious blockage.
Another common cause of clogged drains is mineral buildup. Typically, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle in pipes, forming solid deposits that prevent water from flowing freely. A professional plumber can remove these deposits with a hydro jetting service. If you’re experiencing sewer line clogging, consider calling a reliable plumber costa mesa to diagnose and fix the issue before it worsens. Alternatively, you can use a water softener system to reduce the amount of minerals in your home’s water supply.
Sewer line problems can also arise from changes in soil or ground conditions. This can happen due to heavy construction equipment operating above ground, natural weather events such as earthquakes or floods, or the shifting of soil around an old pipe. Shifting soil can cause the sewer pipe to sink or become misaligned, which allows dirt to enter and clog the line.
Sagging sewer pipes can also obstruct proper drainage, leading to sewage backups. This can be caused by soil shifts or by the weight of the pipe itself. A professional plumber can inspect the sewer line for signs of sagging or bellied pipe and recommend repairs if needed.
Frequent clogs from the kitchen drain suggest that grease, oils and fats are entering the drain line. These substances are water-insoluble, so they form a thick sludge that restricts water flow and leads to blockages. To avoid this, invest in a garbage disposal unit that can reduce these wastes or dispose of them in a separate container for proper disposal.
Food Waste
A main sewer line carries all of the waste that flows out of your home through drains to a sewage tank or municipal waste system. While these lines are designed to last for many years, regular use can cause them to wear out and clog.
One of the biggest causes of a clogged sewer is food waste. This can include food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, and other items that are flushed down the toilet or dumped down sinks and garbage disposals. Many of these foods expand when they are wet, causing them to clog your plumbing and possibly the sewer line.
Another cause of a clogged sewer is cooking oils, fats, and grease. These substances can quickly clog your drains and sewer pipes, restricting wastewater flow and resulting in sewage backups. It is important to dispose of cooking oil, fats, and grease properly by letting it cool and solidify before throwing it away. You can also keep your kitchen drains clear by using a drain trap and installing a grease interceptor or garbage disposal with a built-in filter.
Other common causes of a clogged sewer line are non-flushables and neglecting routine drain cleaning. Non-flushable items like baby wipes, cotton balls, and other personal care products don’t break down in water and can build up inside your pipes. Neglecting routine drain cleaning can also allow small clogs to grow into full-scale blockages that require professional removal.
In some cases, a clogged sewer line can be caused by tree roots that have invaded underground pipes. These roots can lead to a full blockage or even rupture the pipe. If you have trees growing close to your sewer lines, you should contact a plumber right away.
Another sign of a problem with your main sewer line is when multiple drains in your house start backing up simultaneously. This can indicate a blockage further down the line that is affecting the entire household’s plumbing. In this case, you should call a plumber right away to examine and repair the damaged line. A qualified plumber will be able to use a video camera to find the source of the problem and recommend the best course of action to take.
Grease
All of the drains, pipes and plumbing fixtures in your home are hooked up to your main sewer line. The main sewer line takes a beating from daily use and is susceptible to many things that can cause clogs and other issues. It’s important to understand the reasons why your main sewer line keeps clogging so you can work with a plumber in Ocean City to keep it running smoothly.
One of the most common reasons that a main sewer line can become clogged is because non-flushable materials are being flushed down toilets. This includes baby wipes, medication and other items that aren’t designed to be flushed. These items don’t break down like paper does, and can continue to build up inside of the pipes for months or even years. This can result in a major clog that requires specialized tools to resolve.
Another reason that a main sewer line can become a problem is because of grease and fats being poured down the drains. Grease and fats are water-insoluble, so they will line the drains and then solidify over time. This can also restraining the flow of wastewater. It’s best to dispose of grease in a jar or can in the garbage instead of pouring it down the drain.
You can also help prevent clogs by regularly cleaning your main sewer line with hydro jetting services. This technique uses pressurized water to clear out debris in the pipe and can also be used to detect cracks in the lining of your sewer pipes.
Keeping your home clean and free from debris that can lead to a clogged sewer line is essential for avoiding costly repairs and replacements. It’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber in Ocean City for regular drain cleanings, and to have a rooter service performed at least once per year.
A clogged sewer line can be very dangerous. Wastewater will have nowhere to go, so it’ll back up into your showers and sinks. If you are experiencing sewage backups, contact us immediately to schedule a professional drain cleaning service.
Paper Products
Whether it is toilet paper, sanitary products, or diapers, any paper that is not biodegradable can cause clogs in your drain line. It is important to only flush toilet paper and human waste down your toilets. Any other paper should be placed in the trash can. Similarly, any non-flushable wipes should also be thrown in the trash can instead of being flushed down the toilet. These items can create significant clogs in home plumbing systems as well as the sewer lines of the municipal wastewater system.
Your house’s drain lines all connect to the main sewer line, so a blockage in this line will affect all of your home’s water fixtures at once. A clog in the main sewer line is one of the most serious problems homeowners can face, as it can lead to slow drains and raw sewage backing up into your home’s toilets.
There are a variety of reasons your main sewer line may be clogging, including pipe corrosion from the metal in the pipes reacting with the wastewater, shifts in the soil that have cracked or broken the line, or leaking joints that allow wastewater and sewage to escape from the pipes. If you suspect your sewer line is clogged, contact the professionals at Arco Plumbing for help. We can quickly and safely clear your sewer line and prevent future issues.
