When you turn on your faucet to clean your dishes or wash your hands, you don’t always think about what goes on beyond the drains. All you worry about is performing your house chores. The entire plumbing system is connected to the main sewer line outside your home. So, when you try flushing the toilet or pouring any liquid down the drain, the first thing that crosses your mind is to unclog it using a plunger, which may work temporarily. But if you notice that it doesn’t work, it’s time to call a licensed plumber to diagnose and treat the clogged sewer in Geelong.

How to determine if your sewer line is clogged?

1. More than one drain clogs

If your bathroom drains and kitchen drain show signs of clogs simultaneously, chances are the main sewer line is the primary culprit. The multiple drain clogs will persist unless you call a plumber to inspect the sewer for damage.

2. Unusual signs in your lawn or driveway

Your main sewer runs from your house underneath your yard or driveway, then connects to the street. Upon close inspection, you may notice a depression where there’s a broken or ruptured pipe. Unless there’s been heavy rains in your area, soggy patches around where the sewage flows from the line under the ground signify a major sewer clog.

3. Strange gurgling sounds from your toilet

If you hear gurgling sounds when you flush your bathroom, it means something is wrong with the sewer line. A damaged sewer targets the bathroom first, then proceeds to the drains. The worst-case scenario is when flushed water comes back up. Also, watch out for bubbling sounds in your drain to determine if you need a plumber to inspect the entire plumbing system.

4. Dirty water with a foul odor backing up in your sink, tub, or shower

When a sewer line is clogged, the water you poured down the drain flows back up. Whenever you notice dirty water back-up, please don’t assume it’s only the pipes that are broken. Remember, the dirty water may back up with raw sewage, which is harmful to your health.

Why is your sewer line clogged?

Drains and toilets clog all the time and can be unclogged instantly. However, a clogged sewer is highly unusual because the lines are 4-6 inches wide. This indicates a significant problem with your plumbing system. Your sewer line might get blocked because of:

1. Corrosion within the pipe

Older sewer pipes corrode over time, making them even more susceptible to clogs. The only remedy is to call a plumbing contractor to replace them with plastic pipes. The professional should also inform you about the repercussions of not giving attention to a clogged sewer in Geelong. 

2. Shifting soil around the pipe

Erosion due to water can cause the soil around the pipe to shift, compromising the stability of the pipe. If you notice loose soil around the sewer, it’s time to call a plumber to create a strong reinforcement structure.

3. Construction near the sewer line

Have you encountered construction near your sewer line? If yes, then some construction materials or activities could have damaged the piping system, leading to clogging. Each time construction occurs, ensure you reach out to a plumber to inspect if the sewer line has become collateral damage.

4. Saggy sewer lines

Heavy traffic around the sewer line puts pressure on it, leading to sagginess. Eventually, debris collects inside the saggy pipe, leading to clogging.

Why you should call a licensed plumber for a clogged sewer in Geelong

1. To protect your health

A clogged sewer not only perpetuates plumbing system malfunction but also compromises your health. Anything you let go down the drain or toilet shouldn’t come back to haunt you. Fortunately, licensed plumbers have the right tools to determine to make an accurate diagnosis for a clogged sewer. They also have hands-on skills and experience to fix damaged sewers, giving you the chance to live hazard-free.

2. To get an expert opinion

Even if you are careful with what you pour down the drain or toilet, you can never be sure if your sewer line is safe. Other external factors like heavy traffic and debris can damage the sewer. A licensed plumbing professional is trained to fix such problems. If your plumbing system is worn-out, they can recommend practical solutions to ensure you don’t reencounter sewer clog menace.

3. For your peace of mind

You never know when a clogged sewer will strike. It’s the last thing you think about when dirty water finds its way back in your shower or tub. No matter how conversant you may be about fixing clogged sewers, your mind won’t be at ease. Eventually, the problem might crop up again, and you will end up paying more money to fix it. It would be best to let a plumber fix it to get the peace of mind you deserve.

At Geelong 24 Hour Plumbing, we aspire to help Geelong residents evade clogged sewers and other plumbing problems. We have the latest equipment to fix clogged sewers and are also skilled and experienced in basic plumbing projects. Call us on 1300 368 866 for all your plumbing needs.