Here are the causes and warning signs of a blocked sewer line

Although you probably rarely think about it, your home’s sewer line is one of the most important aspects of your house. This is the pipe that carries waste and water away from your home to the municipal sewer, and 80% of American homes have one (the rest have a septic system). The sewer line is often out-of-sight and out-of-mind until something goes wrong. A sewer blockage is a serious issue for you and your home when the waste and water no longer has a way to leave your home. So essentially, what goes down, must come back up. Not only is this very disgusting to have happen, but it is very destructive to your home as well.In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what sewer blockages are, how they can form, and signs that may point to your home having a sewer block. If you do suspect that you may have a blockage, call the team at Wagner for 24/7 emergency plumbing repair.

What is a sewer blockage?

All of the drains in your home lead to the same place—your sewer line. This is the pipe that runs from your home to the municipal sewer, usually located underneath the street. When this line is partially or fully blocked, meaning nothing can pass through it, a sewer blockage is only a matter of time.Here are a few things that commonly obstruct sewer lines:

Waste, grease, and trash

Pouring grease down the drain is one­ of—if not the worst—things you can do to your home’s plumbing. Like an artery clogged with fat, grease will clog the inside of your sewer line the same way. Again, just like your blood vessels, this can cause a dangerous clot to form over time, until eventually it completely blocks the flow of water. This only worsens when non-biodegradable trash is added to the sewer line.

Tree roots

When your sewer line has a small leak, you probably won’t notice. The trees surrounding your home, however, will notice even the smallest leak. Their thirsty roots will start to inch closer and closer to the line, eventually strangling the physical pipe and breaking the line altogether. It is an important fact to keep in mind if your home has many trees in the yard near the line.

What are the signs of a blocked sewer line?

One of the first telltale ways to notice you have a sewer blockage is if your sink is not draining correctly. You can take your initial investigation a step further and look at the rest of the drains in your home—including tubs and shower drains—to see if they are not draining properly as well. If you have a sewer line blockage, all of the drains in your home will simultaneously clog. This is a very serious issue, and if you notice this is happening, immediately turn off the water supply to your home and call our team at Wagner. If you are able to put a stop to this, you can catch the block before too much damage is done.A more serious sign you may notice is water starting to come up and out of the drains. This will start with the lower drains like showers and tubs, but could potentially impact the rest of your home. By turning off the water quickly, you should be able to put a stop to the rising water before too much damage is done.

What should you do if you have a sewer blockage?

A sewer obstruction is a major issue that will involve a professional plumbing company. Our team will need to come out, dig up the sewer line, clear the blockage, and replace the part of the line—all without compromising the structural integrity of the rest of your line. Needless to say, this is no DIY project, and you don’t want to work with a non-professional on this project.If you suspect that you have a sewer line blockage, or plumbing issues of any kind, call Wagner as soon as possible. We offer 24/7 emergency repair; have friendly, trusted plumbers; and provide upfront, honest pricing.