The most common warning signs of a sewer line backup are slow drains throughout the home, gurgling sounds, sewer odors, and water rising in the lowest drains. Catching these signs early can help you avoid sewage coming into your home.
Slow Drains, Gurgling, and Odors
One slow sink is usually a local clog. When the tub, toilets, and sinks all drain slowly at the same time, the problem may be in the sewer line that serves the whole house.
Air trapped by a blockage can make toilets bubble or drains gurgle. You may notice it when another fixture is used, such as when the washing machine drains or someone takes a shower.
A sewer smell near floor drains or in the basement can mean waste is not flowing away. Dry drain traps can also cause odors. Try pouring water into rarely used drains first. If the smell stays, the line may be the cause.
Water in the Lowest Drains
Basement floor drains and ground-floor showers sit closest to the sewer line. Water or debris showing up there is often the first sign of a backup.
What Raises the Risk
Grease, wipes, and paper towels can build up in sewer pipes. Older pipes can crack or shift, and tree roots can get inside. Heavy rain can also overload city sewers, which may push water back toward homes.
What to Do If You Notice Signs
Cut back on water use and avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Do not open a sewer cleanout yourself. A plumber can inspect and clear the sewer line before sewage reaches your floors.
If these warning signs sound familiar, call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840. Even if the sewer line turns out to be fine, an inspection of slow sinks and tubs around the house can explain the gurgling and odors. Writing down when each sign appears also helps the plumber find the cause faster.