How can you tell if your sewer drain is backing up into your home?

A sewer back up is when sewage spills out of your home’s plumbing system and into your house. This can happen for several reasons: Your home’s plumbing system may be backed up with too much water from a heavy rain, it might be clogged from tree roots, or it may have broken or faulty components that won’t open when the waste needs to flow out. If sewage is leaking into your home, it can cause serious damage and pose a health hazard for both you and your family. Luckily, the average cost to repair damage from a sewer back up is less than $2,000. However, if left untreated for long periods of time it can be a much larger expense. Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening in the first place. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep the health risk to a minimum.

Look for discolouration.

If you notice discolouration in your home’s walls or floors, this is a clear indication that your drains have been backed up. This is because the waste that flows through your drains has an opportunity to react with the chemicals in your home’s walls and floors. If the reaction is severe enough, it can discolour the walls and floors and leave them smelling unpleasant. If you notice discolouration, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible. It’s possible they can open the drains to let the waste out without causing further damage.

Watch out for strange smells.

If you notice a strange smell in your home, it’s likely that your drains have been backed up. This is because the waste in your drains has a chance to react with the chemicals in your home. If the reaction is severe enough, it can create a smell that’s unpleasant and can make you and your family sick. If you notice a strange smell in your home, you should get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible. They can open the drains to let the waste out without causing further damage.

Check the water level in your toilet.

If you notice a significant drop in the water level in your toilet, this is an indication that your drains may have been backed up. This is because your toilet is connected to your home’s plumbing system. If your plumbing system is backed up, the waste from your toilet will flow back into your toilet bowl, causing it to overflow and back up into your toilet. It’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible to avoid further damage and the smell of sewage. They can open the drains to let the waste out without causing further damage.

Look for water on the floor.

If you notice water on the floor in one of your rooms, this is an indication that your drains have been backed up. This is because the waste in your drains has a chance to react with the chemicals in your home. If the reaction is severe enough, it can cause water damage to the flooring and surrounding areas. If you notice water on the floor in one of your rooms, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible. They can open the drains to let the waste out without causing further damage.

Watch out for leaks in your walls.

If you notice a large pool of water in your walls, this is an indication that your drains have been backed up. This is because the waste in your drains has a chance to react with the chemicals in your home. If the reaction is severe enough, it can cause a breach in your walls. If you notice a large pool of water in your walls, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible. They can open the drains to let the waste out without causing further damage.

Watch out for leaking appliances.

If you notice any appliances, like your washing machine or fridge, leaking, this is an indication that your drains have been backed up. This is because the waste in your drains has a chance to react with the chemicals in your home. If the reaction is severe enough, it can cause a breach in your walls. If you notice any appliances, like your washing machine or fridge, leaking, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible. They can open the drains to let the waste out without causing further damage.

Conclusion

A sewer back up is a serious problem, but there are preventative measures that will help you avoid this. Make sure you are aware of how your home’s plumbing system works and what signs to look for if you suspect a sewage issue. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible to avoid further damage and the smell of sewage.

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.