How can you fix a clogged sewer drain?

A clogged sewer drain can cause serious problems for your home. If one of your toilets backs up or the sewer line leading to the main sewer line becomes clogged, you’ll have no choice but to dig up your yard and call a plumber. But before you dig, you should know what might be causing the blockage.A clogged sewer can occur for a number of reasons, but there are some common culprits that can be avoided with proactive maintenance. Here, we detail some of these issues and provide tips on how to avoid them in the future. Before you begin digging, make sure you have the necessary tools and permits in hand. Depending on the severity of the clog and your location, you may need to call a sewer contractor, too. If you suspect a clogged sewer is imminent, keep these tips in mind so you can prevent disaster before a shovel ever touches dirt.

Check for signs of trouble

First things first: Check for signs of trouble. Depending on where your home is located, the drains leading to your sewer may look something like this:If you see this, you might have an imminent clogged sewer problem on your hands. That is why it is important to monitor this area regularly. If you see excessive buildup or anything that resembles a root growing from your drains, it might be time to call a plumber. If you’re not sure how you can tell if there’s a problem, take a look at the following signs:

  • Gumming up - Gumming up or excessive buildup in the pipes is a sign that the sewer system is backed up. If left untreated, this can cause serious damage to the pipes and create a serious problem.
  • Sewer smells - If the smell of sewage is making your home or yard smell rotten, it’s a sign that a clog has occurred. Although not always true, this smell can be worse if you have a septic system in place.
  • Uneven flow - If the flow of water in your drains is uneven, you have a clogged sewer problem. This is usually caused by tree roots coming through the drains, which can be prevented with the right maintenance.

Check the water meter

While you’re digging around your drains, be sure to check the water meter. If you see that the water meter is running full, it might be a sign that the main water line leading to the meter is clogged. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a plumber as soon as possible. The water main serves as the main water supply for your home, so if it becomes clogged, the entire house could end up with a serious water shortage. If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather, it’s important to check the water main regularly to prevent a disaster.

Check your septic tank

If you have a septic tank, it’s important to regularly check its contents. If you notice that the tank is clogged, you’ll need to call a plumber immediately to fix the issue. Otherwise, the tank will fill up with waste and create a serious health hazard for everyone living on the property. When you dig up the tank, you’ll want to make sure that you’re wearing protective gear and that you have the necessary tools with you. If you have a septic tank, make sure you know how to dispose of human waste. And don’t forget that even if you have a sewage treatment system, you should still have your drains cleaned out every few months.

Don’t run the water for long periods of time

Another common cause of a clogged sewer is excessive water use. If you’ve had a long, hot summer, you may have used more water than usual and caused a clogged sewer. If you have young children, you may have even used more water than the average household. This is because children tend to take more baths than adults, who use more water in the kitchen. If you live in an area with a hard water source, you may also experience clogged drains. Hard water is bad for your home’s pipes, and it can cause a clogged sewer.If you’ve had a long, hot summer and have used a lot of water, you may want to consider investing in a water softener. This can help to prevent a clogged sewer in the future by preventing the buildup of calcium deposits in your pipes.

Don’t put things down the toilet that aren’t supposed to be there

This might sound silly, but many people put things down the toilet that don’t belong there. Coffee grounds, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and other items that don’t belong in a sewer can cause a clogged sewer. If you don’t want your toilet to become clogged, you should only put things down the toilet that are meant to go down the toilet. This includes waste, but it also includes paper towels and feminine hygiene products. If you have small kids, you may want to invest in plastic toilet seat covers to help keep things out of your toilet. Make sure you always flush the toilet instead of flushing something down the toilet that doesn’t belong there.

Conclusion

A clogged sewer can be a serious problem for your home, but it can also be easily prevented. You should keep your drains clean and check the water meter regularly to see if anything is wrong. If you feel like you need a professional sewer cleaning, don’t be afraid to call a plumber. No matter how old your drains are, they can be fixed. If you want to avoid future clogs, you can also invest in a few tools to help keep your drains clean. With the right maintenance and tools, you can avoid a clogged sewer in the future.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the best way to clean out a sewer line?
  • Loosen the cap on the drain pipe
  • Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain
  • Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain
  • Run the auger until the clog is broken up
  • Hose out leftover debris
  • Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain
​How often should you clean your main sewer line?
A good general rule is to have your home's sewer lines cleaned out every 18 to 22 months. That may be difficult to remember, but think of it as a year and a half to slightly less than two years
How do you clean a perimeter drain?
Consider using a sewer jetter to clean and remove dirt, sand, and yard debris that clog the foundation perimeter drain tile outside your home. A sewer jetter that's powered by your pressure washer can help you flush away the silt and debris so fewer clogs come back.
How long do perimeter drains last?
Perimeter drains or weeping tiles can last for decades. If properly installed, you can expect to have a problem free basement for a very long time. Older clay weeping tiles tended to deteriorate, and become clogged with soil and tree roots, but even these systems lasted for many years.