Warning Signs Of A Sewage Backup: Pointers From Your Expert Plumber | Atlanta, GA
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The entire plumbing system inside your home is connected to the main sewer line. It consists of two main parts, that is, waste disposal and water supply systems. The waste disposal ensures that all the waste and gray water is swept away into the septic tank. In any home, blocked sewage can be a hazardous mess to repair. It is unlikely for homeowners to pay much attention to the main sewer line when all appliances are draining well.
Lack of regular maintenance from a professional plumber can leave many underlying issues unnoticed. Usually, when the sewer drain is clogged, most of the plumbing fixtures in the house will back up at the same time. Below are some of the warning signs that your sewer drain will need a replacement or repair.
Problems when flushing the toilet
A clogged toilet is a common issue in households, and some homeowners try to resolve the problem on their own rather than calling a plumber to have a look. Sometimes, the problem may be minor stemming from a faulty toilet bowl. Other times, the issue might indicate that something is wrong with the sewer system. If the toilet has a difficult time performing a full flush, the complication is definitely coming from further down the drain. And if you do not resolve the malfunction on time, it can cause a sewage backup that may result in dirty water flooding your bathroom or sinks.
Additionally, gurgling sounds from the toilet can indicate a blockage in drains. That develops from changes in the air to liquid ratios in the drain, causing sewer gases to escape through water seals and vents within your sewer system. These noises are a great early warning sign that a sewage backup is about to happen. If you hear such noises, it is advisable to get a certified plumber to repair the sewer lines.
A foul smell stemming from the drains
A sewer odor commonly forms when inorganic sewer gases that contain compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, ammonia, methane, and hydrogen mix. When you ignore them, such gases may end up harming your respiratory system, and worse, causing death. A foul smell from the drain is an indication that there is an underlying issue that your local Atlanta, GA, plumber needs to inspect. The drain line may have developed a crack that can be causing leakage of waste, hence the odor.
Severe leakage means that the waste is not passing through the right channels, which results in a sewage backup. In case of catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods, or heavy rains, ensure that your plumber does a thorough inspection of your entire plumbing system to take care of any possible leak or sewage backup. Also, the vent in the plumbing system may clog over time and give way to contaminated air, so it loses its purpose of equalizing the atmospheric pressure caused by wastewater running through the system and allowing sewer odors to escape.
Presence of bubbles in the drain
Having bubbles in your drain or toilet is an indication that there is a blockage in the sewer pipes, and this can result in a sewage backup. Negative pressure in the drain forces air to return through the channel from where it came. Plumbing codes require all drains to have separate vents to prevent pressure buildup and to direct sewer gases outside.
However, when multiple fixtures are installed close to each other in the bathroom, a single vent pipe is installed to facilitate multiple drains, including the sink, toilet, and tub. When the pipe blocks in this type of set up, air tends to enter and exit through one fixture when you’re using another. You might face a situation whereby toilet bubbles form when the bathroom drains, and a sewage backup results from the drains and toilet. It is wise to seek the help of an experienced professional to take care of the problem.
Sewage leaking from a cleanout pipe
Cleanout pipes are normally located in the basement or crawl space under the house, and they direct waste to the septic tank. When a minor leak happens, it may be hard to notice until the damage occurs. During a routine checkup, ensure that your plumber takes a look at the cleanout pipes to make sure they are in perfect condition. The plumber has to remove the cleanout pipes to have easy access, and so you should refrain from DIY jobs. In most cases, cleanout plugs are threaded to ensure they fit well to be liquid-tight. When they become loose over time, wastewater may not pass through, leading to a sewage backup.
Plastic cleanout plugs have a short lifespan in comparison to their brass counterparts, so the material plays a big part in causing problems. Also, leakage in the cleanout pipes is an indication that the drainpipe is full, and the improper removal of a pipe that is leaking leads to a sewage backup that may unleash smelly wastewater into your home. Remember to have a professional plumber inspect the cleanout pipes and take care of any issue.
Sewage clogs on floor drains
A clog in the drain line may cause water backs up out of a floor drain. That will lead to your basement being flooded, messy, and smelly. The floor drain has a direct line to drainage and sewer lines, and a clog results in water finding its way out through the floors. If your house doesn’t have floor drain, water will still back up out of the lowest fixture.
That could be the bathtub, standpipe, or basement shower, and the best way to clear a clogged drain is to have a professional plumber clean out the drain line. For those with old homes, it is vital to have regular maintenance and cleaning services on the drain lines to avoid any future sewage backup.
Contact us
Peach Plumbing & Drain is a plumbing company that commits to providing quality services in Atlanta, GA, and nearby areas. We have a professional and experienced staff that is knowledgeable in various plumbing areas. Our team handles everything from repairs of septic systems to emergency plumbing to water leak detection. Take a break, and let us worry about your plumbing needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment.