Good flushing habits and periodic professional plumbing maintenance are necessary to keep your home’s plumbing system in shipshape condition. Unfortunately, there are events and situations beyond your control, such as flooding or encroaching tree roots, that cause a clogged sewer line. If you suspect your sewer line is clogged, use this guide to chart a course of action, and help prevent future upheaval of your plumbing and your pocketbook.
Clogged sewer line
A clogged sewer line is a serious problem that, at the very least, creates foul odours and disrupts your daily life. Or, if the backup is quite severe, you may incur damage to household possessions and structure, plus having to foot the bill for repairs if the sewer line is clogged on your side and not the municipality’s. These are some of the telltale signs of a clogged sewage line:
- Water backup in a toilet, bathtub, floor drain and sink
- A water gurgling noise emanating from drains, especially after running the clothes washer or dishwashing machine
- Odour of raw sewage emanating from drains
- Water draining slowly at a bathtub and sink
Professional assistance
The first thing to do when your sewer line is clogged is to call a reputable plumber. Next, if all drains in your home are backed up (indicating a clogged main line and not a secondary line), turn off the water main and remove the rubber sewer clean-out plug (confirm these steps while you’re on the phone with your plumber).
Your plumbing professional should use sophisticated video equipment to inspect your home’s primary and secondary sewage lines to determine the cause of the backup and, just as importantly, to determine if the blockage is on your side of the main sewer line or on the city’s side. If the blockage is in the city’s territory, call the City of Calgary for assistance.
If, however, the clogged sewer line is on your side, thus making you responsible for repairs, discuss your options with your plumber to expediently remedy the issue.
For more information about clogged sewer lines or all plumbing concerns, contact Arpi’s Industries now for immediate assistance.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about clogged sewers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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