There have been many troubled callers in Kelowna, dispatching us for a backed-up sewer line. Today we’re sharing 8 warning signs that you can look out for before you have a potential plumbing emergency. When you are observant of your plumbing systems, you’ll know when to call for an inspection or maintenance so that you can avoid costly repairs in the future. Let’s go!
8 Warning Signs of a Backed-Up Sewer Line
Your plumbing systems speak to you in many ways. Today we’ll be sharing 8 warning signs that you should look out for to avoid expensive repairs that will put a dent in your expenses. If you notice any of these warning signs below, listen to your instinct and book your appointment right away. When you neglect to have your plumbing looked at, you’ll surely regret it.
Warning Sign #1: Foul Odours
The first warning sign is repulsive odours. Not that you’ll be able to sleep through the night with nose-tingling odours but this one is a sign that you need to get a plumber in to inspect what’s going on in your drains.
Your sewage should be moving wastewater outside of your home and onwards to the treatment facility. If it’s not moving swiftly out of your home, that’s a major problem!
Warning Sign #2: Slow-Moving Drains
Next up we have slow-moving drains. Your drainage system is connected to your sewer line. If your sewer line is backed up, your drains will be sluggish. If you notice your basement or main floor to be slow-moving, that’s a sure sign of a backed-up sewer line. Get your drains looked at right away so you can avoid expensive repairs.
Warning Sign #3: Bubbling Drains and Toilets
When your toilet and drainage are bubbling, it’s speaking to you, “I’m backed up!” The bubbling sound that you’re hearing is simply air bubbles coming through the drains, indicating that it’s clogged. When your wastewater is unable to pass through smoothly, your sewage may come up from other drains. Gross, right? This is why we highly suggest you call your local plumber before your problem gets out of hand.
Warning Sign #4: Toilets Flushing Slower Than Usual
Another warning sign is when toilets are flushing slower than usual. When your sewer line is backed up with debris and/or tree roots, it may affect the performance of your toilet(s). If you’re experiencing low water pressure, we highly advise you to get ahold of a plumber. The last thing you want is a potential health hazard on your hands.
Warning Sign #5: Plumbing Appliances and Fixtures Not Working Optimally
Additionally, be aware of your appliances and fixtures that aren’t working as they normally do. We’re talking about sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, and washing machines. If you’re experiencing problems with one or a number of the fixtures not performing simultaneously, it is likely a sign of a backed-up sewer line. Contact your local plumber right away to eliminate any chance of a plumbing emergency from occurring.
Warning Sign #6: Tree Root Intrusion
This warning sign is often overlooked. Most homeowners take pride in their gorgeous landscaping and gardening. What people often forget is how the roots of your beloved trees, shrubs, and vegetation may affect sewer lines. That doesn’t mean avoiding having beautiful landscaping! It just means that you should have an annual drainage inspection to ensure that the tree roots are kept at bay. By staying on top of those adventurous tree roots, you’ll minimize potential tree root intrusion that may break into your underground drainage systems.
Root systems are drawn to the humidity and moisture that’s given off from the drainage pipes. Before you start planting trees, shrubs, and other vegetation, know where your underground utility lines are. That is a fantastic way of avoiding major plumbing problems!
Warning Sign #7: Standing Water in Sewer Cleanout Pipe
Whenever you notice standing water in the sewer cleanout pipe, you’ll want to contact your local plumber immediately to lessen further damage to your sewer line. Over time, if your drains neglect to be cleaned and maintained occasionally, the build-up of grease, oil, debris, and other materials gets clogged.
In addition, environmental elements will also impact the condition of your sewer line. As tree roots grow, moisture builds in the soil, and the ground shifts over time, unfortunately, you may notice that your sewer line was significantly damaged.
For these reasons, we highly advise you to have your sewer line cleaned out at least once a year.
Warning Sign #8: Sewage Coming Out of Cleanout Pipes
Finally, a major sign of a backed-up sewer line is when you have sewage coming back into your home or outdoor property rather than heading to the wastewater treatment facility. Some folks have noticed sewage flowing out of their shower or bathtubs. Other times the sewage may flow into the storm drains, sidewalk, or yard. This is considered an emergency plumbing situation. You need to call your go-to plumbers right away!
Raw sewage must flow to the treatment facility as it is considered a biological hazard. There are countless bacteria, viruses, and other germs that are living in wastewater. To protect yourself, your household, your neighbours, and the environment eliminate all chances of sewage back-up that may harm others.
In Summary
To sum it up, keep your drain clear and maintained. You’d be surprised how often customers call us with clogged sewer drains. By implementing drain cleaning methods, you may save yourself from having to spend jaw-dropping repair costs. Not only that, but you’ll be also keeping your family, neighbours, and the surrounding environment safe from raw sewage.
We hope you found this blog post useful and informative!
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