Irrespective of whether it’s a commercial or residential property, a blocked sewer drain is bothersome.
Of course, it emits foul odors, drains water from sinks and bathtubs slowly, and poses a serious risk to you and your family’s health. More often than not, tree roots are responsible for blocking the sewer drains. However, deteriorated old pipes, grease, a buildup of soap, hair and other household items also play a role in clogging them.
And when these items get settled in the corner of the drainage pipes, they hinder the smooth functioning of the sinks, bathtubs and toilets of your home.
Keeping in mind that not everyone knows how to identify a blocked sewer drain, we decided to put together a guide on the same. So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into the deets!
Blocked Sewer Drains – Identifying Signs and Reasons
There’s no denying that drains are one of the most ignored aspects of any establishment, be it commercial, residential or industrial – unless they start acting up. And honestly, a blocked drain can cause hefty damage to the foundations of your property; even worse, spread deadly diseases.
To be honest, there are plenty of other things that get deposited in the pipelines and block the sewer drains. However, most homeowners aren’t aware of them, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the same. Let’s check them out!
1. Tree Roots
We’ve already mentioned that tree roots are one of the primary causes of blockage in sewer drains. But did you know that they expand and grow new roots once they enter the pipelines? If you’re wondering why, then let us tell you that pipelines have everything that tree roots require to thrive – nutrients, water and oxygen!
When that happens, it’s important to remove the tree roots from the pipes, or they will start clogging the main sewer pipes. Hence, you’ll have to shell out thousands of bucks to dig the ground and replace the pipes with new ones.
The only way to prevent tree roots from settling in the pipes is to keep an eye on the tree growth and get your pipelines checked often.
2. Throwing Junk In The Toilet
Most people tend to flush wet wipes, sanitary napkins and other junk down the toilet leading to gurgling sounds and water backup. However, the toilet isn’t meant for throwing trash; rather, it should be dumped in a garbage can.
If you avoid flushing junk down the toilet, you can prevent sewer drains from getting blocked. Also, irrespective of whether you’re a home or restaurant owner, don’t forget to keep a bin in the toilet for throwing waste.
3. Collection Of Debris
When grass, clay, mud and leaves pile up in the sewer pipes, blockages are likely to occur. More often than not, when you throw waste near the sewage drain regularly, the debris makes its way into the pipes and causes blockage.
So, to avoid debris from accumulating in the pipes, we suggest checking the drain lines regularly. Anytime you notice debris amassing in the sewer pipes, clear the pile right away to prevent blockage.
4. Sagging Of Sewer Lines
Other than debris, tree roots and junk, old and deteriorated sewer lines are often the reason behind a blocked sewer drain. The weight of waste, water and other chemicals make the pipes thinner, so they begin to sag.
If you don’t wish to spend hundreds of dollars on replacing pipes frequently, it’s important to maintain them well. Of course, it’s a time-consuming task, so we suggest hiring a plumbing company to clean your pipes once every few months. Not only will this reduce the chances of blockage, but it will also enhance the longevity of your pipes.
5. Waste Disposal
Homeowners throw grease, vegetable peels, fat and other kitchen waste down the sink, because of which the water is unable to flow properly, causing a blockage and a rotten odour. So, if you’ve been doing the same, stop right away!
Install a grease trap or a sink strainer to prevent even small particles of waste from flowing down the sink into the sewer drains.
Parts Of A Sewage Tank That Every Homeowner Must Take Care Of To Avoid Blockage
1. Plumbing Vents
There’s no denying that a lot of waste flows through the sewage system, which means the pipelines give out a toxic smell. To ensure that the odour doesn’t make its way into the home, the vents are added to the system so that the air can leave and the pressure can be controlled.
In simple words, plumbing vents are tiny gaps that are designed to regulate air pressure in the tank.
2. Septic Tank
The sewage that passes through the pipelines is stored in the septic tank, which is why you should maintain it properly. Every once in a while, the tank must be cleaned and make sure you seal it properly to avoid foul smells from spreading in and around it.
3. Kitchen Sink
Certainly, the kitchen sink withstands the most abuse because of the greasy food particles that flow into them when washing utensils. To prevent grease, fat or other waste from clogging the sink and drains, we suggest installing grease traps.
4. Pipelines
Be it the kitchen, toilet or other areas, junk makes its way into the sewer system through pipelines. Of course, both liquid and solid wastes flow through them, which is why you should clean them regularly to avoid blockage.
Summing It Up
There you have it! That’s everything you need to know about identifying a blocked sewer drain.
So, if your house smells like rotten eggs or you hear gurgling sounds from the pipes, consider checking the sewer drain for it’s most likely clogged. And now that you know the reasons behind a blocked sewer drain, we are sure you’ll be able to identify the signs without difficulty.
However, fixing a sewer drain isn’t a DIY project that you can pull off yourself, so it’s best to hire a professional plumbing company. With state-of-the-art equipment and plumbing knowledge, they will fix your sewer drain in no time.
Needless to say, drain blockages can be prevented by discarding wet wipes, sanitary napkins, toilet paper and other wastes in the bin.
With that, it’s time to wrap our guide on the topic. Till next time, stay safe and take care!
