It can be really frustrating to see your furniture floating all around the house due to a sudden sewage system failure. Besides soiling your carpets and flooring, the drain water from your sewerage line can leave a long-lasting stench in your house.

A sewer backup usually consists of gray water, which can cause health-related problems if inhaled for a longer period of time. Hence, ignoring sewage system problems for a long time may create extensive damage to your property.

In this blog, we cover some signs that can help you identify if your sewer system is backing up or about to back up and some practical ways to fix sewer backups.

Signs That Your Sewer System is Backing Up

1) - Sewage Smell Erupts from Your Drains

Drains are made to transfer wastewater to sewer systems. When drains get blocked, the water doesn’t find its way out, sending back all the soil and dirt through your sewage mainline. That’s when you will start to notice constantly erupting sewage or a foul smell from your drains, which might be a sign of a backed-up sewage system.

2) - Bubbling Toilet or Drains

One of the early signs of a backed-up sewage system is the upsurge of bubbles in your toilets and drains. If you notice bubbles appearing in your toilet or drainage system on a frequent basis, that’s because wastewater isn’t easily flowing through your plumbing system. You must pay attention to this as it can be a red sign for a possible sewer outbreak.

3) - Standing Water

Does it happen that you flush your toilet or take a shower but the water won’t drain or drain slower than usual? It’s a clear indication that your sewer system is backing up, causing the water to stand due to internal blockage. This might be due to a major obstruction in your sewer line and happens mostly in houses with low drains.

4) - Multiple Clogs

When the main sewer line gets clogged, it can cause multiple drains to clog all at once. So, if you notice a gurgling noise every time you flush your toilet, that’s a common sign of a clogged drain. Multiple clogs may develop when the flow of liquid is disrupted, which can impact the entire plumbing system inside your house, including bathtubs, toilets, sinks, showers, and even the sprinkler system. Furthermore, if you are dealing with severe clogs, it may push back the entire raw sewage through your plumbing fixtures, creating a stinky mess all over your sewer lines.

5) - Blockage due to Root Invasion

Root invasion occurs when plant roots and trees grow around your plumbing area, causing your sewage system to infiltrate. When plant roots enter your plumbing in search of water, they may block the flow of water. Furthermore, root invasion can also damage your plumbing pipes and produces holes and cracks. As a result, this causes the dirt particles to enter the plumbing system, which is one of the reasons many houses receive filthy water.

6) - Leaking Sewage

Leaking sewage from areas such as cleanout pipes may be a sign of an upcoming sewage backup. A cleanout pipe is meant to transfer the filthy water and waste to the septic tank. However, if it gets blocked, it will return the water back, resulting in backups. Leaking sewage may also occur due to a loosened cleanout plug or thread whose purpose is to ensure a liquid-tight seal to prevent wastewater from leaking or backing up. You might require a thorough cleaning to clear out the lead build up and allow liquid to pass through.

Ways to Fix a Backed-Up Sewer System

1) - Use a Liquid Drain Cleaner

If your bathtub or sink sewer system is backing up, you can use a drain cleaner to clear the blockages. Just pour some liquid drain cleaner into it and let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, then run hot water through it to unclog your drains. However, avoid using it on toilets because it might eat though the wax seal of your toilet on the bottom and may even cause leaks.

2) - Try Out a Plunger

If you’re looking for an economical and easy solution to unclog your minor drains and prevent sewer backups, then use a plunger. Plungers can easily clear out small to medium-sized clogs and they can also be used on toilets and sinks. Simply place the plunger’s cup on a clogged drain and create a tight seal. Now, push and pull the plunger vertically to clear blockage.

3) - Use an Drain Snake or Auger

A drain snake or auger can be used to clear  heavy clogs. It goes deep inside the pipe like a snake and clears out filth and dirt thoroughly that comes along its way. Make sure to use it well as its metal end may flop around the weak areas of the pipe and might scratch the inner surface.

4) - Release Trapped Air

You can release trapped air from your sewer line to clear out the water flow. Just turn off your main water supply and locate your sewer cleanout line, which should have a white cap on it. Simply open it to release pressure and it should do the trick.

5) - Call a Professional Plumber

If nothing works, call a professional plumber to fix your sewer backups.Contact Mesa Plumbing Companythat offers 24/7 plumbing service with no extra charges and provides100% satisfied plumbing facilitiesacross 12 cities in Arizona.