When water doesn’t flow correctly from the toilet or sink to the sewer, it can cause major problems for your home. A sewer back-up occurs when sewer water comes up through the drains and flows into your home. It can be a scary and inconvenient experience for anyone living in an older home or apartment. Sewer back-ups are also incredibly dangerous, and can easily cause serious damage to your home and any occupants inside it. If you experience a sewer backup, there are several things you can do to prevent and repair it. But before this happens, you should know what signs to look for. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a sewer backup:
One of the most common signs of a sewer backup is the presence of water coming up from the main sewer line. This can happen as a result of root intrusion, tree roots growing into the sewer line, heavy rain, or just a clogged sewer pipe. The water that comes up from the main sewer line can sometimes look like coffee or tea, as it will be filled with toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and other paper goods that are flushed down the toilet. It can also be filled with food waste, and often smells quite putrid.
If you experience a strong sewer smell that won’t go away, it could be a sign of a sewer backup. Sewer smells are not always bad, but if they are strong and persistent, it may indicate an issue with your sewer line. It’s important to keep an eye on your sewer line to make sure it’s not leaking, as this can cause a lot of unpleasant smells. In some cases, a sewer backup can cause the smell to be particularly strong or putrid, and may even cause headaches or burning eyes.
Another sign of a sewer backup is the presence of water bubbling up through the drains. This can happen when there is a clog in the sewer line, and the water cannot flow through it. It can also happen if water is coming from the sewer line into the home. This is usually a sign that the sewer line is broken or damaged, and that a sewer cleaning is needed.
One of the most obvious signs of a sewer backup is the absence of water from the sink and toilet. Water will not flow from these fixtures if there is a clog in the sewer pipe. This can happen if there is a build-up of debris in the sewer line, or if the toilet is not connected to the main sewer line. If this happens, you should turn off the water supply to the toilet and sink to avoid flooding your home. Then, you should call a plumber to come out and check the issue.
One of the most dangerous signs of a sewer backup is water flowing out of the foundation of your home. This can happen if the sewer line is broken and water is spilling out of the sewer pipe into the foundation. This is a very serious issue, and you should call a plumber immediately to come out and fix the problem. It can also be a sign of a broken or collapsed sewer pipe, which requires immediate attention.
There are many signs of a sewer backup, and all of them can be very dangerous. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to turn off the water supply to the toilet and sink, and call a plumber to come out and repair the issue as soon as possible.