A clogged main sewer line is one of the most inconvenient problems a homeowner can encounter. Although it does not impact freshwater access, it means being unable to use any wastewater in a home until the problem is resolved, which means no toilets, showers, washing machines, or dishwashers. In other words, it makes a home almost inhabitable until it is fixed. Fortunately, in most cases, there are some warning signs that a home may need Sewer repair service in Portland, OR. If those signs appear, it is a good idea to get the sewer line inspected before it begins to back up.
Signs of Sewer Problems
- Clogged Toilets.
- When sewer clogs begin, they are usually small and do not block the main line. That means that the lines may be able to handle constant medium-sized flows of water-only waste, but that they may struggle with the waste from toilets. A repeatedly clogging toilet can be a sign of sewer problems.
- Multiple Drains Clogging Simultaneously.
- If more than one drain is clogging or slow at the same time, it indicates a problem where two or more lines come together. This can indicate a sewer problem.
- Unused Drains Backing Up.
- If using one drain causes water to back up in another drain, then there is a problem somewhere after the first drain meets the rest of the plumbing system. The further away the backup is from the drain being used, the more likely the clog is in the sewer line.
- Pipes Making Gurgling Sounds.
- If the pipes are making unusual sounds, this can be a sewer problem. Plumbing in new homes is relatively quiet, and, even in older homes, does not make that much noise. Gurgling sounds from drains can indicate a leak or a clog.
- Bubbles.
- Clogs can introduce air into the system. Therefore, if a homeowner wants to do a quick test to see if a clogged toilet or drain line was an isolated problem or a sign of something more serious, looking for bubbles when a large amount of water is draining is a good diagnostic tool.
Help for Sewer Problems
Fixing a broken sewer before sewage backs up into a home can prevent significant damage. Contact Clog Busters LLC or visit their website at to schedule a plumbing inspection. They will check lines and provide the information a homeowner needs when deciding whether they need sewer repair service in Portland, OR.
