Plumbing problems can be a real pain, especially when you’re dealing with a clogged sewer line.
If you ignore it, things only get worse.
The sooner you spot the warning signs of a main sewer line clogged, the better. If a sewer line clogged goes unnoticed, you could end up with a big repair bill.
Even worse, you might expose your family to dirty, contaminated water.
The best way to avoid that mess? Stay on top of sewer maintenance. Catch problems early. Fix small issues before they turn into big ones.
Below, we’ll go over what causes a sewer drain clog, signs to watch for, and how to keep things flowing smoothly.
How Sewer Lines Work
Your home’s sewer line is the pipe that carries all your wastewater away. You might hear it called the main drain, main line, or private sewer lateral. It’s a key part of your plumbing. If you’ve got a basement, you’ll see smaller pipes connecting to it. Most of it runs underground, leading to the city’s main sewer.
If you own the property, you’re responsible for your part of the sewer drain—right up to where it meets the city’s system. That means if you’ve got a blocked sewer line, it’s on you to fix it. Keeping an eye out for sewer issues and staying on top of sewer drain cleaning can save you from expensive repairs later.
Want to avoid a nasty stopped up sewer line? Let’s talk about what causes clogs and how you can keep your drains clear.
Why Your Sewer Line Gets Clogged
Flushing the Wrong Stuff
Your toilet is connected straight to your sewer drain, so flushing the wrong things can easily cause a clogged sewer line. Even if wipes say “flushable,” they can still cause problems. The same goes for paper towels, tissues, cotton swabs, and hygiene products. These don’t break down like toilet paper, and over time, they create a sewer drain clog.
Grease and Food Waste
Pouring grease down the sink is a bad idea. It cools, hardens, and sticks to your pipes, leading to a sewer line clogged with stubborn buildup. Using your garbage disposal the wrong way can also cause trouble. If you dump food down too fast, it won’t break down properly, making it easier for a blocked sewer line to form.
Limescale Buildup
Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits inside your sewer line. Over time, these deposits make the pipe opening smaller. Less space means it’s easier for debris to get stuck, eventually causing a main sewer line clogged. Once that happens, you’ll likely need professional sewer drain cleaning to clear it out.
Tree Roots and Ground Shifts
Your sewer line runs underground, which means it’s at risk from things outside your control. Tree roots naturally grow toward moisture, and if they find a tiny crack in your pipe, they’ll force their way in. This can lead to a stopped up sewer line. Even shifts in the ground due to construction or soil movement can cause damage, sometimes requiring pipe replacement.
City Sewer Backups
If you notice multiple houses on your street dealing with sewer issues, the problem might be with the city sewer system. A main sewer line clogged at the city level can push raw sewage back into homes, flooding bathrooms and causing a nasty mess.
Septic Tank Overload
If you have a septic system, it needs regular maintenance. A full tank can cause the main drain clogged, backing up into your home. If your system is too small for your household, you might need to upgrade it.
8 Signs You’ve Got a Clogged Sewer Line
Slow Drains
When your tub, sink, or shower drains too slowly, it’s a warning sign. At first, it’s just annoying. But if you don’t deal with it, a sewer drain clog can turn into a bigger problem.
Drain Flies
If you see little flies around your sink, that’s a bad sign. They love standing water and built-up gunk in drains. This means you’ve got clogged pipes somewhere in your system.
Sewer Gas Smell
If your house starts smelling like rotten eggs or sewage, you might have a sewer line clogged. A small issue in your p-trap could be the problem, but if the smell keeps coming back, it could be a main sewer line clogged.
Gurgling Noises from Your Toilet
If your toilet gurgles when you flush or when you use other drains, air is getting trapped somewhere. This could be a sewer drain clog deep in your system.
Recurring Clogs
Unclogging your sink or toilet once is normal. But if the problem keeps coming back, your clogged sewer line isn’t fully cleared.
Water Backing Up from the Floor Drain
If water starts coming up from your basement floor drain, your main sewer line clogged could be the cause. If it overflows, it’s time to call for drain sewer cleaning.
Leaking Sewer Cleanout
Your sewer cleanout is designed to give plumbers access to your pipes. If you see it leaking, pressure might be building from a blocked sewer line.
Soggy Patches in Your Yard
A clogged sewer line can cause underground leaks. If your yard has random wet spots, it could mean a broken or leaking sewer pipe.
How to Fix a Clogged Sewer Line
Stop Using Water
First things first—don’t flush, run water, or use your appliances. More water will only make things worse.
Try Boiling Water
If your pipes are metal (not PVC) and the clog is caused by grease or soap, pour boiling water down the drain. Do this slowly over 5-10 minutes and see if it helps clear the sewer drain clog.
Use a Plunger
Plungers aren’t just for toilets. You can use one to try clearing a bathroom drain pipe clogged. Fill the sink with a little hot water, create a tight seal, and plunge like you would a toilet.
Call a Plumber
If the clog doesn’t budge, it’s time for professional sewer drain cleaning. Plumbers have tools like motorized drain snakes and hydro-jetters that can break through even the toughest clogged sewer line. Simply call Yess Boss for a Free inspection. Also if there is an emergency you can contact them anytime any day and they will respond you right away.
Clear the House Trap
If you have plumbing experience, you can try opening the cleanout trap to release pressure. But be careful—if wastewater starts leaking, screw the cap back on and call for drain sewer cleaning immediately.
Pump Your Septic Tank
If your home runs on a septic system and your main sewer line clogged, you may need to have the tank pumped. If the problem keeps coming back, it could be too small for your home’s needs.
Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning
Having your sewer drain professionally cleaned once a year can keep it clear. A plumber like experts at Yess Boss Plumbing can do a video inspection and remove small clogs before they cause a stopped up sewer line.
Need Help with a Clogged Sewer Line? Call Yess Boss Plumbing!
If you’re dealing with a main sewer line clogged, don’t wait. Call Yess Boss Plumbing at 437-245-2324 for 24/7 emergency plumbing services. No matter the day or time, they’ll be there to get your drains flowing again!
FAQ: Clogged Sewer Line Questions Answered
How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?
If your main sewer line is clogged, you’ll notice slow drains all over the house. Water might back up into sinks, tubs, or even your basement floor drain. Your toilet might gurgle when you flush, or you could smell a nasty sewer odor. If you see drain flies hanging around, that’s another bad sign.
What are the common causes of a clogged sewer line?
A clogged sewer line happens for a bunch of reasons. Flushing the wrong stuff—like baby wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products—is a big one. Pouring grease and food down the drain also leads to clogs. Tree roots can grow into your pipes, blocking the flow. Even hard water can cause limescale buildup inside your pipes, making it easier for debris to get stuck.
How can I fix a clogged main sewer line myself?
First, stop using water so you don’t make it worse. Try pouring boiling water down the drain if you have metal pipes (not PVC). A plunger might work for small clogs. If that doesn’t help, a drain snake could break up the blockage. But if nothing works, you’ll need drain sewer cleaning from a pro.
Why does my main sewer line keep clogging?
If your sewer drain clog keeps coming back, something bigger is going on. You might have tree roots invading your pipes. A broken or sagging pipe could be trapping debris. Or maybe grease and food waste are building up. If your home has an old plumbing system, it might just be time for a full sewer drain cleaning.
What are the signs of a clogged sewer vent pipe?
A clogged vent pipe can make your plumbing act weird. Your toilet might bubble or take forever to flush. You could hear gurgling noises from your drains. If there’s a strong sewer smell in your house, that’s another clue. Vent pipes help air flow through your plumbing, so when they’re blocked, water doesn’t drain properly.
What’s the best chemical to unclog a sewer line?
Honestly, chemicals aren’t the best option for a main sewer line clogged. Store-bought drain cleaners can eat away at your pipes over time. If you must try something, enzyme-based cleaners are safer and help break down organic material. But for big clogs, hydro-jetting or professional sewer drain cleaning is the way to go.
How much does it cost to repair a main sewer line clog?
The cost depends on how bad the sewer line clogged is. Simple drain sewer cleaning with a plumber’s auger might cost $150–$500. Hydro-jetting can be $300–$800. If your pipe is broken and needs replacing, you could be looking at thousands. The best way to avoid big repair bills? Keep up with regular sewer drain cleaning.
How do I clean a sewer drain in my basement?
If your basement drain is backing up, try using a plunger first. If that doesn’t work, a drain snake might clear the clog. You can also remove the cleanout cap (if you have one) to release pressure. But if the problem is deep in the line, professional clearing drain blockages will be needed.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.