What Do I Do If My Sewer Line Backs Up?
If your sewer line backs up, the first signs can be easy to spot but hard to ignore. You may notice multiple drains in your home moving slowly at the same time, gurgling sounds coming from toilets or tubs, or wastewater backing up into the lowest drain in your home, often a basement floor drain or a first-floor shower. In more serious cases, flushing a toilet can cause water to rise in a nearby tub or sink instead of draining properly.
Stop Using Water Immediately
The most important thing to do is stop using water in your home immediately. Unless you’re looking forward to a high-stakes game of “The Floor Is Lava,” avoid flushing toilets, running sinks, or using appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine. Every gallon of water you send down the drain can add to an already blocked system and make the backup even worse.
Contain the Sewer Backup and Protect Your Home
If water is actively coming up through drains, try to contain the area to prevent damage to flooring or belongings. You can also shut off water to the home if the situation is severe. Avoid direct contact with wastewater, and keep children and pets away from the affected area because sewage can contain harmful bacteria and contaminants. Avoid attempting to remove or break into drain lines yourself since sewer issues are often found in the main sewer line and are deeper in the system than typical household plumbing.
What Causes a Main Sewer Line Backup?
Tree roots are one of the biggest culprits behind sewer line backups. As they grow, they’re naturally attracted to the moisture inside sewer pipes. If they find a small crack or gap in the line, they’ll grow right into it. Before long, those roots start catching everything flowing through the pipe, creating a clog that can send wastewater back into your home.
Backups can also be caused by grease buildup, collapsed or damaged sewer lines, and heavy debris clogging the main line. In older homes, shifting soil or deteriorating pipes can also contribute to recurring blockages. Even something as simple as flushing items that should not go down the drain can lead to a major blockage over time. If you have kids at home, now might be a good time for a reminder that toilets aren’t trash cans.
Call a Licensed Plumber for Sewer Line Service
When you are dealing with a sewer backup, it is absolutely necessary to call a licensed professional right away. Summit Heating, Cooling & Plumbing provides experienced plumbing services in the Kansas City area and can quickly diagnose and resolve sewer line issues before a frustrating plumbing problem turns into an expensive repair.
Our team is equipped to locate the blockage, clear the line, and help determine whether repairs or replacement are needed to get things flowing again and protect your home. Depending on the source and condition of the blockage, the inspection may include professional drain-clearing equipment or a sewer camera inspection to evaluate the inside of the pipe.
Sewer Line Repair Options That May Protect Your Yard
And if repairs or replacement are necessary, our team is experienced in many types of drain line repairs, some that don’t require tearing up your yard. One of those options is cured-in-place pipe lining, a revolutionary product that can reduce the impact of repair.
No matter the solution your home needs, the experienced professionals at Summit Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have the right solution for your home’s needs.
If sewage is backing up into your home or several drains are clogged at once, stop using water and contact Summit Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for professional sewer line service. Call 816-832-7770 or visit summithckc.com.
Remember, if you’re looking for the TOP, Reach for the Summit!
