
Determine if Main Sewer Lines are Clogged
Drain lines run throughout the home to transport wastewater from sinks, tubs, toilets and other plumbing fixtures. Each one of these lines connects to the home’s main sewer line. The main sewer line is a large pipe that transports waste from the home to the septic or sewer system. This pipe can become clogged which can lead to the lines backing up.
Unfortunately, a main sewer line clog isn’t something that can typically be fixed by the homeowner. The lines are generally found deep below the earth’s surface, however there are some measures you can take to make sure things don’t get worse before the plumber arrives.
Cause of Clogged Sewer Lines
A clog of this magnitude doesn’t happen often as a typical sewer line measures from 4 to 6 inches wide. A damaged sewer line is typically the reason for the clog. If the pipe bends or collapses, waste will not be able to flow through the pipe into the sewer system.
Shifting soil, pipe corrosion, construction too close to the line, significant traffic, and damage to the joints are all standard issues found in sewer lines. In fact, older pipes have a tendency to sag over time which results in debris building up and an eventual clog. Household fats, oils, and grease poured down the drain are often the catalyst for these blockages.


Signs of a Clogged Sewer
Clogged sewers generally develop over time rather than overnight. If the clog can be caught before things get too bad you can prevent significant headaches in the future. The following signs are things to look out for if you suspect you may have a clog developing in your sewer line.
Dark water: a classic sign of a clogged sewer line is wastewater emerging from the shower, bathtubs, and basement drain. This is because if water draining from our pipes reaches a clog and can no longer flow into the sewer system, it’ll return into the home through the lowest entry point.
Slow moving drain: because clogs typically develop gradually, water will drain slower and slower as the clog gets worse. If only one drain isn’t functioning properly, it’s probably not a main sewer line concern, but if all drains are slow, this could likely be the cause.
Gurgling noises: a common sound associated with a sewer line clog is gurgling coming from a tap or plumbing fixture. But people have also reported trickling, bubbling, and even hissing noises.
Clogged plumbing fixtures: if the sewer drain clog is left unaddressed for a long period of time, you’ll start to notice that wastewater will stop draining from your plumbing fixtures entirely. This is because all of our pipes are connected and the clog will cause water to back up more and more over time.


What to Do if Your Sewer is Clogged
If you think your drainage pipe is clogged, turn off the water supply to your home. This will ensure things don’t get any worse. To turn off the water, locate the water main, this is typically found near the home’s water meter.
Next, call a plumber. Summit Drain has a team of dedicated professionals who can identify the clog and remove it in order to get your sewer lines back to functioning the way you need them to.
Contact Us
Summit Drain is a reliable plumbing company in the Ottawa area. Our team has provided over 10 years of premium-quality plumbing repairs and services to homeowners and business owners in the area. We service many areas near the Ottawa region including Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, Carp, Rockcliffe Park, Vanier, Cumberland, Barrhaven, Orleans, Stittsville, Bells Corners, Manotick, Greely and more.
Call us today to learn more about our sewer line replacement services!