When it comes to a sewer line, for most people it’s “out of sight, out of mind…hey, what’s that awful smell?” By the time you notice that your sewer line is not operating properly, it’s usually because of bad smells, poor drainage, or damage to your home. A clogged or backed-up sewer line can cause serious harm to your property, and if the sewer line backs up into your home, it can even put your health at risk.
That’s why it’s important to have your sewer line cleaned on a regular basis. But how do you know when to get your sewer line cleaned? Keep reading to learn the common signs of sewer line problems and what you can do to keep your home safe.
What Is a Sewer Line?
Your sewer line is the pipe that carries wastewater and sewage out of your home to your municipal sewer system. Over time, these pipes can become clogged with grease, soap scum, hair, and other debris that prevent your sewage from draining properly.
If left unhandled, this can eventually lead to sewage backup on your property or inside your home. To prevent backups and the property damage that follows them, get your home’s sewer line regularly cleaned by professionals.
Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Cleaned
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call an expert for sewer line cleaning services:
1. Foul odors coming from drains
When sewage backs up in the line, it can cause foul odors to come through the drains. You may notice this when you’re standing at the sink to do dishes or when you walk into your bathroom.
2. Slow draining
If water is draining slowly from your sinks, tubs, or toilets, it means that your sewer line is partially blocked. While slow draining may not seem like a big deal at first, it’s important to have the issue addressed before it becomes a full-blown blockage.
3. Recurring clogs in multiple drains
If you find yourself constantly dealing with clogged drains, it’s a sign that your sewer line needs to be cleaned. Debris that builds up in the sewer line can cause clogs in multiple drains throughout your home, such as your kitchen and bathroom sinks, toilets, showers, etc.
4. Strange sounds coming from pipes
Gurgling or bubbling noises in your pipes may indicate that air is trapped in the line, while banging or knocking sounds may mean that there is debris in the pipes. If you’re hearing any strange sounds in your walls, ceiling, or floors, you should have it checked out by a plumber right away.
5. Puddles forming around floor drains
Your home may have floor drains inside or outside. They are commonly found by your water heater or in garages and basements. If you notice puddles forming around floor drains, it’s a sign that sewage is backing up in your home.
How Professional Plumbers Clean Sewer Lines
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs listed above, it’s time to call a professional for sewer line cleaning services. But how exactly do plumbers clean sewer lines? These are the general steps that we follow to get the job done:
1. The first thing we do is clear the line using our sewer machines. This will often tell us what was blocking the line, such as roots, wipes, toys, etc.
2. We will run lots of water to make sure the line is clear and the line is flowing to the main.
3. Depending upon the severity and frequency of the blockage, we will likely recommend running our camera to see what might cause the problem to recur and whether a more extensive fix might be needed. The video will show us if there is a break in the line, a deterioration in the line, a potential for a collapsed line, or a major root intrusion.
By following these steps, our plumbers can effectively clean out your sewer line and prevent future backups. And if we find any damage, we can repair the sewer line or replace the sewer line to keep your system running efficiently.
Call Rocketman Plumbing for Expert Sewer Line Cleaning
If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, it’s time to call Rocketman Plumbing for expert sewer line cleaning services. Our team of experienced plumbers will inspect your sewer line and use high-powered water jets to remove any debris and clogs.
We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing in Albuquerque, NM, and the surrounding areas, so don’t hesitate to call if you’re experiencing sewer line issues. Call us at 505-375-6602 and we’ll be there in a flash.