It is officially autumn in Auburn! October is our rainiest month, and that can overload sewer lines. Cool temperatures, possible tree roots inside pipes, and existing clogs in your lines can further aggravate conditions. The result is a possible sewage backup in your home.
A sewage backup can mean extensive, costly damage to your home and belongings, not to mention create an unpleasant and smelly situation. Getting your sewage lines properly fixed will also prevent you from filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Here are the warning signs to help you stop a potentially toxic situation in your home.
Foul smells
If you turn on your bathroom faucet and notice a foul stench seeping through the drain, it could be an indication of a sewage backup. Drains going out of your home should not have a bad smell.
Multiple drains are clogged
All of us encounter drain clogs from time to time, usually caused by excess hair, toilet paper, or other debris caught in the pipes. In most cases, this is an easy fix. But if multiple drains are clogged simultaneously, it could be an indication of a bigger problem. In addition, if the clogged drain is in a guest bathroom or other infrequently used room, that’s an even greater cause of concern.
Bubbles
Bubbling is an easy-to-spot warning sign. When water tries to flow past a clog in your drain pipe, it bubbles as it comes back to the surface. If you notice bubbling after running the faucet or flushing the toilet, check it several times to ensure it isn’t a fluke. If the bubbling persists, it could indicate a problem in the line that could lead to a sewer backup if not resolved.
Tree roots
In older homes, tree roots could grow inside your sewer line and trigger a possible sewage backup into your home. Slow flowing drains and gurgling in toilets are early indicators that a tree root is impeding the line. If you ignore the problem, the roots will grow larger, resulting in more significant sewage issues over time.
Running one faucet leads to a backup somewhere else
In most homes, most water flowage runs through the same lines. If you’re using the kitchen faucet and discover water backup in the shower down the hall, you may want to get your water lines inspected.
Toilets are flushing slowly
If previously fast-working toilets are flushing slowly (or not at all), it’s another possible warning sign of a problem in your sewer line. Unfortunately, plunging won’t improve the water flow out of the house if there is an issue in the line.
If you’re experiencing a possible sewage backup in your home, do not attempt to clean it yourself. The water may contain harmful bacteria, so a well-trained team must perform proper cleaning and remediation in the affected areas. Professionals use potent antimicrobials to kill any bacteria from the water, allowing your home to return to its pre-loss condition.
Homeowners always have something to do; there is rarely a moment of rest when it comes to upkeep your home’s appearance and its operating systems. But Donofrio Mechanicals wants to make your life easier and take care of ensuring that your HVAC system is working correctly. We would be honored if we could cross that off your to-do list. Donofrio Mechanicals prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. Visit our website or call us at 855-296-8719 to learn more today! Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest events, tips, and specials.
Sources
https://www.plumbing-masters.com/sewer-blockages-and-water-main-leaks
