Drain and sewer problems aren't always obvious.
Since you can't see down your sewer line, you need to be savvy to plumbing behaviors that indicate there is an issue. Sometimes, those behaviors aren't super obvious and, even when they are, you might not immediately conclude that you've got a sewer line problem.
Except that after reading this article, you will.
The most obvious answer for when you need to call a plumber for a drain issue is when you can't solve it on your own. And while that's definitely true, there's more nuance to it than that.
Sometimes, you'll need to call a plumber the moment you notice a warning sign.
Here are the biggest indicators that you've got a plumbing issue only a plumber can address.
DIY fixes don't work
When a drain gets clogged, you can often unclog it yourself.
Plungers, snakes, makeshift tools for removing hair from shower drains… Many homeowners keep resources on hand for busting or removing small, localized clogs. In many cases, it's totally acceptable (and even advisable) to handle these issues on your own.
But what about those times when you can't bust the clog?
Say you find yourself struggling to unclog a shower drain. Or maybe your toilet won't unclog with a plunger or a snake.
This is when it makes sense to call a plumber. There's no reason to put up with a sink that won't drain or a toilet that won't flush! The sooner you set a plumber to this task, the sooner your life can get back to normal.
And it's especially important to call a plumber when…
More than one drain is clogged at the same time
When this happens, it's rarely a coincidence.
Multiple clogged drains usually result from an obstruction deeper down the sewer line. And when you've got something way down in your sewer pipe-the clog itself might even be located under your yard-only a sewer and drain specialist can solve the problem.
In other words, there is no DIY plumbing fix. You'll need to call a plumber.
First things first. Shut off your main water supply and make arrangements to run water, shower, and use the toilet elsewhere. While inconvenient, it's essential for ensuring the problem doesn't worsen.
Because if it does, you could end up with this:
Sewage backup in lower level drains
Yep. This is sometimes the result of a sewer line issue.
When it happens, you'll typically see sewage backup in a basement floor drain or some other lower level drain. What's happening is that the wastewater has nowhere to go due to a blockage in the line. As such, it continues to build up inside the pipe until it re enters your home through a drain.
It's gross! It's also a potential health hazard.
When you've got multiple clogged drains or, worse yet, visible evidence of sewage backup in your home, it's important-no, essential-that you call a plumber who specializes in sewer and drain services.
A professional will perform a sewer camera inspection to identify both the cause and location of the blockage. From there, the plumber might use hydro jetting to bust a clog or excavate and replace a section of sewer pipe that has collapsed or been damaged by tree roots.
The most effective fix will depend on what the specific problem is. A plumber can help you figure that out.
Weird sounds and bad smells
Sewer line issues don't always announce themselves via an annoying clog or the unwelcome appearance of sewage. Sometimes, they just gurgle.
If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains, you've probably got a clog in the making.
That clog might be deep down in your sewer line. It might also be accompanied by really bad smells.
If you smell sewage or some other noxious odor coming from your drains-especially if it's coming from more than one drain-that's the slow buildup of wastewater that will soon have nowhere to go. The best move is to call a plumber to inspect your sewer line before things get worse.
Unusual happenings in your yard
This is the wildcard indicator for drain and sewer issues. We say that since it's an outdoor warning sign for a sewer line problem. The other ones all show up indoors.
When your sewer line leaks, you might notice unusually lush areas of grass in your yard. If you've got a garden, you might notice that a certain area is significantly taller, more vibrant, or otherwise richer in appearance than the surrounding plants.
We see this a lot when tree roots break through old sewer lines and cause a leak. That said, it can also happen when the sewer line develops a belly or otherwise gets damaged.
Identifying the cause of the leak, excavating the pipe, and replacing damaged sections is a job for an experienced plumber. It's also-and this likely goes without saying-urgent!
Seeing drain and sewer warning signs? Think you might need a plumber?
We've got you! The PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing team provides comprehensive drain and sewer services all across Metro Atlanta.
If you're experiencing any of the above problems with your plumbing, we'll perform a free sewer camera inspection to identify the problem.
From there, we can walk you through your options for busting the clog, replacing the damaged pipe, or whatever needs to be done to address the issue.
Call us today at (404) 798-9672 or schedule service online!
