5 Signs Your Main Sewer Line Is Clogged

You may not realize it, but the main sewer line is one of the most important fixtures in your home. By doing the job none of us want to think about, your main sewer line is responsible for keeping your family happy and, more importantly, healthy.

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But because it’s in charge of handling all of your family’s “ya know” and is susceptible to outside hazards, your main sewer line can easily become clogged. If you notice any of the below things happening, you may have a dangerous clog on your hands:

1. Water is backup in your drains.
2. Drains throughout the house or building are slower than normal.
3. Strange reactions when you use your plumbing fixtures
4. An unpleasant smell coming from your drains
5. Sewage in your home's sewer cleanout

Sign 1: Water is backing up in your drains.

A clog in your main sewer line means that wastewater can’t make it to your septic tank or town’s plumbing. And because that water and waste have to go somewhere, they’ll likely end up coming back into your home. Below are ways to tell if your home is suffering a backup.

• Run the sink closest to the toilet and check to see if the water in the bowl rises.
• Flush the toilet and look to see if water backs up into shower drains or the bathtub.
• Look out for toilet overflows when you use your washing machine.

Sign 2: Drains throughout the house or building are slower than normal.

If several drains throughout your home are draining water slower than usual, this means you likely have a clog in your main sewer line. The best way to be sure you have an issue is to call a Milwaukee plumber for repairs.

Sign 3: Strange reactions when you use your plumbing fixtures

If you run the sink next to your toilet and the toilet bubbles, your main sewer line is probably clogged. You can also diagnose a problem in the main line if you hear gurgles in the toilet when water is running through various drains.

Sign 4: An unpleasant smell coming from your drains

No matter where they’re coming from, bad smells are never a good sign. If you smell raw sewage in your home, it means the main line is backed up so bad that it’s starting to leak into your house.

Sign 5: Sewage in your home's sewer cleanout

A sewer cleanout is a pipe that connects directly to your main sewer line. It gives plumbers access to clear any blockages. However, it doesn't normally have standing sewage coming out of it, meaning it's a sign of a main sewer line clog.

How Much Does a Plumber Cost to Unclog a Main Line?

Main line clogs tend to be on the more expensive side of drain cleaning services. A main line cleaner technician’s services could range anywhere from $85 to $560 depending on the location of the clog, the complexity of the service, and the plumbing company you choose. Some plumbing companies charge by the hour, so the more complex the issue is, the more expensive the solution becomes. However, Mr. Rooter offers upfront, flat-rate fees, so you know exactly how much your bill will be after we fix your plumbing problems. Call us for an estimate. We’re here to take your call 24/7!

How To Deal With Clogs in Your Main Sewer Line

If you suspect that your main sewer line is clogged, you should contact your local plumber immediately. Leaving clogged sewer lines unattended can be a major inconvenience to your family. More importantly, it can also damage your home’s plumbing and pose a serious health risk to your family.

Give us a call for drain cleaning in Milwaukee today!