Problem with the House Sewer Drain

Your home’s sewer drain is invisible but should never be unseen. But when it breaks, it means problems and can cause a lot of damage and expensive repairs. The ability to understand what the most common problem is can help you get out quickly before it gets disastrous.

The Most Common Problem: Clogs

The most common problem with house sewer drains is clogs. These block the flow of wastewater and can cause backups inside your home.

The clog typically forms with time. Inside the pipes, grease, food particles, hair, and soap scum build up. It can also happen due to a sudden blockage by foreign objects such as wipes, paper towels, or toys.

When the water can no longer flow properly, then it begins to back up into bathtubs, sinks, or the basement floor.

However, some homeowners realized this problem only through repeated slow drains or bad odors. A clog, left untreated, can cascade through pipes and overflow with sewage, damaging the pipe. That’s when you may need emergency sewer repair services to avoid structural damage or posing health risks.

Understanding the Sewer Drain System

All the drains in your home are connected to the house sewer drain. It transports wastewater from sinks, toilets and showers to the main city sewer line or septic tank.

Part of your plumbing is a vital part. It’s underground, so you won’t notice the problem until it’s already serious.

Causes Behind Sewer Clogs

There are several reasons for the clogging of sewer drains. Some of the most common include:

Tree Root Invasion: Tree roots naturally seek moisture. However, if cracks are present in your underground sewer line, roots have a way of getting inside. Growth inside the pipe, ‘blocking up’ flow of water, and injuring the line, they do.
Grease and Fat Buildup: Although pouring cooking grease down the sink seems harmless, cooking grease will liquidify and cool in the pipes. As it builds up over time, it thickens and traps other debris, thus becoming a very big blockage.
Flushing the Wrong Items: Human waste and toilet paper only are supposed to go in the toilet. Wipes, feminine hygiene products or paper towels cannot break down. And they can easily cause a sewer blockage.
Old or Broken Pipes: Clay or cast iron pipes were common in older homes. Over time these can crack, collapse or corrode, allowing debris or roots to enter or stopping flow altogether.

Warning Signs to Watch For

If you notice early warning signs, you can avoid major sewer problems:

Slow drainage in sinks and tubs
Gurgling sounds from the toilets or the drains.
Bad smells coming from drains
Backups in water in multiple fixtures

However, if you spot more than one of these signs at the same time, it’s best to call a plumber almost immediately.

How to Prevent Sewer Drain Clogs

Prevention is the best solution. These simple habits can help:

Do not flush the grease or fat down the drains.
Ensure you use a drain screen so that hair and other fabrics can be trapped.
Hybrid toilet systems should not be flushed with anything besides toilet paper.
One should organize plumbing check-ups at least once in some time for old houses and buildings.
Each conveyance should also opt for a routine plumbing check-up, especially with homes constructed earlier.

Sewer drain blockages are normal but ought to be avoided at all costs. It may also be prudent to stress the importance of not waiting for such signs to appear but to take adequate care of your plumbing to avoid major damages that may negatively impact your home’s foundation.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

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