The Main Sewer Line Clog – Know the Warning Signs

The sewer line is one of the most vital parts of your household plumbing and can wreak havoc if it becomes damaged or clogged. Repairing or replacing pipes can quickly become quite expensive. The sooner you detect a breakage or clog, the more likely you’ll be able to fix it without a huge hassle or cost.

What Causes the Main Sewer Line to Clog

Common culprits of blocking your main sewer line are the root systems from nearby trees and large plants. Tiny feeder roots can work their way into your pipes through pipe joints seeking moisture. After these small roots have made their way into the pipes, they will start to grow larger and act as a net, catching toilet paper, waste, and other larger debris until a clog forms. Roots are much more likely to make their way into your pipes if they are older and made from clay or concrete. If you believe your pipes are susceptible to being invaded by tree roots, take preemptive measures and install metal or wood barriers around the pipes to protect against the roots.

Warning Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog

When your sewer line is clogged, there are plenty of warning signs to alert you of the blockage. Your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs/showers may be draining slowly or even worse, not at all. The fixtures may also affect each other if there is a main sewer line clog. For example, if you are using the washing machine and a toilet or sink begins backing up, this is a clear sign of a blockage – after all, the water has to go somewhere.

If you notice gurgling sounds when flushing a toilet or while water is going down the drain, this might be an indication of a blockage in your pipe system. This may come with a frequent need to plunge your toilet or sinks. These are indicators that the blockage is farther down your drainage system and need professional assistance to remove. 

How to Clear a Main Sewer Line Clog

Sewer clogs cannot be treated with plungers or store-bought chemical drain cleaners. Professional cleaning is necessary, and your Donley Service technician can use a video camera to inspect the sewer line and confirm what is causing the blockage. Our professionals will be able to recommend repair options, such as the use of a heavy-duty cleaning machine with a stiff steel cable and a sharp blade on its tip. This cable spins as it moves through the sewer pipe to cut away any obstructions, even shaving tree roots right down to the pipe walls, restoring full flow in your sewer pipe.

Call your local Donley Service Comfort Hero to schedule a service when you begin experiencing signs of a sewer line clog. They will protect your home from any extensive damage and expensive repairs down the line.

The Purpose of Basement Floor Drains Plus Maintenance & Tips

While basements are not nearly as common in Phoenix as they are in other areas of the country, many older and luxury homes do have basements, which means there will be a basement floor drain. Everybody has likely seen floor drains before, most often in public restrooms, showers, and laundry rooms. 

A basement floor drain is designed to collect overflow water from sinks, toilets, baths, and other plumbing around your home. The basement floor drain collects and then directs any excess water safely to a sewer or storm drain to avoid flooding. As with any plumbing, a floor drain will need some regular maintenance to avoid clogs.

Common Causes & Signs of Basement Floor Drain Clogs 

OK, so your basement floor drain is backing up. It’s not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, floor drains tend to become clogged more often than other drains simply because they are on the floor where dirt and debris tend to collect. 

Debris, Hair & Dirt: Debris, most commonly dust bunnies and pet hair, often finds its way inside the drain. When cleaning their floors, many people will make the mistake of sweeping the dirt and debris right into the floor drain, which will lead to more frequent clogs.

Foul Odors: If you find your floor drain is emitting horrible smells, your drain’s P-trap is probably dry. A dry P-trap allows nasty sewer gases to enter your home. Grab a bucket and begin pouring water down the drain to fill the P-trap. Dumping a gallon or two may be enough, but adding about five gallons to the trap should successfully seal off all sewer gases. Additionally, adding water to the drain will let you see if it is working properly or if it is already clogged. Pouring water down the floor drain regularly will allow you to make sure your drain will be ready when it is needed most. 

How to Clear a Basement Floor Drain Clog

If you discover your basement floor drain is clogged, it’s important to clear the blockage immediately to reduce the risks of flooding. Here’s what to do:

Try a Plunger: A minor clog should clear after a few strong pumps with a plunger. Place the plunger cup so it completely covers the drain opening, and then go for it! 

Baking Soda & Vinegar: Plunger didn’t do the trick? Try pouring baking soda down the drain, then chase it with a healthy amount of white vinegar. (Don’t worry, the drain won’t turn into a homemade volcano and create a mess.) 

Snake the Drain: If you have a drain auger, feed the cable into the drain until you meet resistance, then turn the cable and try to reel back whatever is clogging the drain. Remember, the idea is to pull gunk out, not push it further down.

If you are unable to remove the clog from the basement floor drain on your own, contact a professional and a Donley plumbing professional will come to the rescue!

Basic Basement Floor Drain Maintenance

Cleaning drains at least once a quarter will keep them healthy and working properly. If necessary, use a safe, liquid drain cleaner to remove the remaining debris. If your basement floor drains have not been cleaned in a while or you’re experiencing other drain issues, call a professional  to find out what’s blocking the drain, and have them remove any clogs for you.