Signs That Your Sewer Line May Be Clogged

A sewer line clog can cause raw sewage to back up into the drains of your home, creating an unhealthy and unsafe environment. If you suspect that you have a clogged sewer line, or if you’ve recently performed raw sewage remediation in your home, it may be necessary to perform bacteria testing in San Francisco to ensure that no harmful bacteria are present. Here are the most common signs that your sewer line may be clogged, and that bacteria testing may be necessary.

Raw Sewage Backup
The most telling sign of a sewer line clog is a backup of raw sewage into your drains. If your main sewer line is blocked, the water, paper products, and waste won’t be able to travel down your sewer line. If you flush your toilet, the sewer line backup will cause raw sewage to bubble up through your shower or bathtub drain. If you use your washing machine, your shower drain or toilet will begin overflowing. If you run your bathroom sink, your toilet water may begin to rise and bubble up. This raw sewage puts you and your family at risk of significant health problems such as mold symptoms, as it harbors dangerous bacteria that can become airborne, or may infect you through physical contact. This is why it’s crucial that you consult an expert for bacteria testing both before and after raw sewage remediation.

Multiple Drains Are Clogged at Once
Another warning sign of a sewer line clog is that multiple drains in your home will become clogged at the same time. Your toilet, bathtub, and shower will all either drain very slowly, or won’t drain at all, causing flooding and overflows. If your drains are all clogged and plunging or snaking them doesn’t provide relief, then you probably have a clogged sewer line.

Strange Sounds and Odors Throughout Your Home
A sewer line clog will cause your drains to consistently make gurgling or bubbling sounds when plumbing is used. You will also notice a strong smell of sulfur or general noxious odors throughout your home. Mold symptoms are another common sign of plumbing problems.