Dealing with a clogged pipe or drain is a stressful experience for homeowners. However, if you're experiencing a much greater backup in your home, you may have a clogged sewer line. Turning to professionals is best when you believe you have a clogged sewer line, as commercial sewer jetters that are mounted on trucks carry more than 1,500 gallons of water, according to Spartan. This powerful stat demonstrates just how massive professional sewer jetters are for clogged line jobs. Let's discuss clogged sewer lines.

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

It's not uncommon to experience a clogged sewer line at least once as a homeowner. However, a main sewer line clog is a bit different from a traditional drain clog. Some of the most notable signs of a bigger, more intensive clog in the sewer line include:

• More than one drain is impacted: This is often indicative of a much bigger issue with your home's sewer line. If more than one of your home's drains is backing up or clogged, it might be time to turn to the pros.
• Fixtures are acting odd: Toilets, sinks, tubs, and even washing machines may begin to act up in unique ways. Hearing gurgles or seeing tubs filled with wastewater are both indicators that there is a much larger issue that lies beneath the home itself.
• Dark water: This is another sign that there's an issue that is much greater than just one drain in your home. If you notice that the water backing up is darker, odorous, and even appears slimy, this may be an indication that your home's drain is backing up with wastewater.

Actions to Take

As a homeowner, knowing which steps to take can help to prevent larger issues from occurring. Here are the most important steps you need to take when you discover a clog in your plumbing system.

• Turn off the water: Turning off the water in your home is essential if your water is dark or if your drains are backing up with wastewater. Avoid using or drinking from the water until the issue is resolved.
• Connect with professionals: Reach out to professionals who specialize in cleaning sewer lines for peace of mind and to ensure your home is in the right hands.

Understanding what it means when your main sewer line is clogged can help you to identify and pinpoint problem areas throughout your home before calling the professionals. If you suspect you're dealing with a clogged sewer line, reach out to our local plumbers at A-1 Plumbing & Drain today.