What should I do if my main drain is clogged?

What should I do if my main drain is clogged?

Many homeowners have experienced a clogged drain and have given little thought to it. Drain cleaning products are a fast, cheap DIY option that usually gets the job done.

However, a main drain clog is usually a sign of something more serious, and should be addressed by a professional plumber as soon as possible. Main sewer clogs will usually cause water or sewage to back up out of a drain, toilet or some other part of your plumbing system, and can be a very unpleasant experience. 

What is a main drain?

The sewer main drain is a very important component of your home’s plumbing system. If you think of the drain system in the house like you would think of a tree, the main sewer line drain would be the trunk, and secondary drains to the toilets, sinks, and bathrooms would be the branches.  The secondary drains all connect to the main sewer drain line that transports the waste water to your home’s septic tank or the city’s sewer system. Unfortunately, since this is not visible, many homeowners do not know much about a main sewer line drain, or what to do if that main drain is clogged.

What are the warning signs that my main drain may be clogged?

A clogged main drain is a very serious problem that should be considered a plumbing emergency. It is usually caused by broken pipes in your line, debris such as feminine products, baby wipes or toilet paper that clog the line, or tree roots that grow into the sewer line in search of water, and have ruptured the line. Early warning signs of the drain being clogged are hearing bubbling or gurgling sounds coming from one or more of your drains. Or your toilet water or faucets may bubble, and waste water may back up into your tub or shower drain when you flush. 

How do I fix a main drain clog?

A professional plumbing company can clear the main drain clog by snaking the main sewer clean out line, if a homeowner has access to it. If the home does not have a main sewer clean out access point, the toilet would have to be removed to clear the clog. If a simple main drain cleaning does not work, homeowners can also ask for a video camera inspection to see if the clog is caused by a bigger issue that may require a sewer line repair or replacement. 

For more information on a main drain clog, call Allgood Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Cooling today at 678-369-8118 or CallAllgood.com

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