How To Spot Sewer Clogs
A clogged sewage line is no laughing matter. If the clog is not detected and fixed quickly enough, it can lead to serious problems, including the most dreaded problem of all: a sewer backup. The last thing you want is to be sloshing through smelly sewage in your yard, or, even worse yet, having to clean up the huge mess a backed up sewer leaves behind. The easiest way to keep this problem from happening to you is to be aware of the signs of a clogged sewer and to get professional help for clogs as soon as possible.
Strange Sounds
If water-related items around your home start making strange sounds, it's time to have a professional take a look at your sewage system. Sounds like a toilet that starts bubbling and running out of nowhere or a sink that makes a strange, sputtering noise when you turn it on mean that some kind of trouble is brewing. While the problem isn't always a clog, these sounds are letting you know that something is up with your sewer system.
Clean-Out Drainage
Most modern sewage systems have a device known as a "clean-out," which is basically a capped pipe. This pipe is typically located near the sides of the home and is designed to alert homeowners to clogging and other problems. Check the clean-out periodically, and if you find water running through it or in it, take it as a sure sign you've got a clog on your hands.
Toilet Troubles
When you flush your toilet, whatever is inside of it should disappear, whisked away into the sewage system where you don't have to see or smell it. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. If, after a flush, water starts collecting in your tub or comes out of the toilet and onto the floor, a sewage line clog is the most likely culprit.
Visible Roots
Just as it's a good idea to check on your clean-out from time to time, you should also look at your sewage drain every so often.
If you happen to notice visible tree roots in the drain, get them out immediately if you can. If they're half-in the drain, half-in the sewage line, call a professional for help removing them since roots are one of the major causes of clogs.
As you can see, clogs don't just happen. They take time to develop, and if you pay attention, it's pretty hard not to notice the signs of clogging. If you happen to see any of these signs or notice anything else strange, it never hurts to get some professional help and advice from places like Drain-O-Rooter.