Nobody wants to have their toilets not flushing. We run water and flush toilets all day long without a second thought of what is going on when it goes down the drain. If your toilets begin to back up, or water runs into the bathtub when water is run, it’s time to take action immediately.
So what causes your sewer line to clog? And what can you do to fix it? Here at Yorkshire Plumbing and Drain Services, we have years of experience diagnosing and repairing clogged and slow-draining sewer lines. We help the people of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County as a whole deal with this common issue regularly. Here we will shed some light on the common reasons for your sewer to clog and solutions to the problem.
Why is water filling my tub when the toilet is flushed?
One of the first, most obvious, and scary signs that your sewer lateral is blocked is water flowing into your tub or shower when the toilet is flushed. This happens because the water is following the path of least resistance, and the tub is usually the lowest spot.
Another sign you have a clog is gurgling when water is run or the toilet is flushed. Plumbers often refer to this as the toilet talking to us. The gurgling is caused by the clog creating negative air pressure, Instead of air flowing through the lines, the air pushes back and causes the gurgling sound. Sometimes, you’ll also see the toilet water bubble.
The third sign you may see if you have a sewer clog is wet patches in the yard. Usually, these patches will be around a clean-out located outside the house.
What do I do if my sewer line is clogged?
The first course of action if you experience any of the symptoms above is to stop using water immediately. Stop all water usage, including laundry. This will prevent the possible flooding of the bathroom and make the cleanup easier.
Second on the list is to call a professional to get your sewer flowing again. Yorkshire Plumbing has the equipment, and expertise to properly diagnose and repair your sewer line. While some common plumbing issues are possible to tackle DIY style. A clogged main is best left for a professional.
How is a clogged main fixed?
There are several ways to get the sewer flowing again. It all depends on the complexity of the clog and the severity of the issue. Most mainline clogs are the result of something being flushed that shouldn’t. Usually, this is taken care of by running a sewer snake down the line and dislodging the obstruction. Sometimes the issue is caused by roots penetrating the pipe and this would require further investigation and repairs. The best way to find out what the cause was and the next course of action is to use a sewer camera. A sewer camera can run through the pipe and record what it sees. This is a great way to see exactly what caused the clog and if more work is needed.
If you find yourself with a clogged main, it may be time to call in the professionals. Yorkshire Plumbing has you covered. Give us a call, and we will have you back up and running in no time.
