A sewer drain clog is never a good thing. If you are not aware of the symptoms then the problem will seem to appear out of nowhere. The result is wastewater backing up in your sewer pipe and entering your home. It’s not a pleasant experience and can cause significant damage. Alongside this, wastewater is a health risk to you and your family.
Fortunately, you can avoid major issues by recognizing the common symptoms and dealing with them.
Invest In A Camera
Once you have recognized there could be an issue with your sewer pipe the first thing you will want to do is to confirm it. The easiest way to do this is to find a sewer camera for sale and invest in it.
This small device can look at the inside of your pipes. It will tell you where the blockage is and allow you to see what is causing it.
This is important. Clogs can be caused by the wrong things being flushed into the waste system, such as sanitary products or a child’s toy. But, it can also be caused by an issue with the pipe, such as it being damaged from tree roots.
Knowing what the issue is will help you to decide the most appropriate route of repair.
Slow Drains
This is the most common sign that you have an issue. The first thing to check is how many appliances are draining slowly. If it is just one then the issue is likely to be in the trap below the appliance. But, if more than one, or all the appliances are draining slowly, the issue is in your sewer line.
It means a clog is starting to form and unless you take action, it will slowly get worse and give you much bigger problems.
In most cases, the sink will drain slightly slower and it may be difficult to spot. But, as it gets worse it will be harder to ignore and you need to take action before the pipe is fully clogged.
Noises
The other common sign that there is an issue in your sewer pipe is when you hear gurgling noises from your pipes, especially when you flush. This tells you the system is not working properly. Specifically, the air that is supposed to move through the system is struggling to do so.
Without airflow, the waste cannot drain away properly.
This could indicate a clog in your main sewer pipe or it could be an issue with your vent pipe.
Taking Action
It’s a good idea to use your sewer camera regularly to keep an eye on the condition of your pipes. But, you also need to know when to call a professional. Rodding the sewer line can cause a surge of wastewater and solids, which could be dangerous if it splashes on you. You may prefer to get specialist help, especially if you are looking at digging up the pipe and replacing it.