Imagine that you are spending your ordinary day and something slips through your nose. There is a strange smell coming into the house. Perhaps, there is a problem with flushing the toilet or a sink. They may be indicators that your sewer system is not quite in order. Clogged sewer is not the trivial nuisance that can be overlooked; it may cause great troubles with sewer later on.
Both a new homeowner and one who has been staying in his/her house over several years should be aware of possible problems. Knowledge of early warning indicators of a sewer blockage can save money, time and headaches in the future. We are going to look into the factors that lead to such blockages and ways through which the condition can be detected in its early stages and methods of treating the problem before it gets out of hand.
Typical sources of blockage of sewers
A clog in the sewerage can be as a result of activities that happen daily. The first bad guy is the build up of grease. As the fats, oil and food waste substances enter the drain, they congeal as it accumulates over time forming an obstruction.
The other common problem is caused by tree roots. The roots of trees in search of moisture and nutrients spread in the ground as trees grow. They usually get inside the sewer lines through pipes or the small fissures or unions.
The clogs are also caused by hygiene products, soap scum, and hair. These substances may mix inside the pipes to create a solid blockage that does not allow the free flow.
Other potential criminals are foreign bodies. Objects such as toys or too much toilet paper can slip into the drains rather easily and become a serious issue in case they are not remedied as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a blocked sewer
Being aware of the indications of clogged sewer could spare you of expensive repairs. Slow drainage of sinks, tubs or toilets is one of the early signs. When water does not go down as fast as it normally does this is an indication that you should look into the matter.
Bad smell is another red flag. Blocked sewer may result in leakage of sewage gases within your house causing bad odors which stay longer and trigger health complications.
Noises which can be heard by gurgling out through drains are also worrying. This noise usually denotes that the air which has become trapped in pipes as the result of blockage is attempting to get out.
You can also see more pests around your property. Where there is stagnant water and a waste accumulation that comes with a sewer problem, there is rodent and bug action.
When several household fixtures back up at the same time it is a good indication of a more serious problem somewhere further into your plumbing system which requires attention.
The early detection of the problem How to do it How to detect the problem at an early stage
The best way is to be proactive in case of a sewer blocked case. Checking your plumbing regularly will help you avoid the expensive repairs.
Look at your drains. When the water drains slowly then this may be an indication of a deep-seated problem. Gurgling sounds or foul smells in your house could be a clear sign that things are not going on well underground.
Do an inspection of outside places too. Search for accumulated water or beautiful grassland that does not fit in the environment. These may indicate a blockage or leakage on the sewer line.
It is also worth noting changes in your water bill. Spikes can be an indication that there is leak somewhere in your system and it can be related to some blockage.
These precautionary measures will ensure that you nip problems in the bud before they become a great source of headache in the future.
Home remedies of simple blockage
In case of a small blockage of the sewer, there are some remedies you can undertake yourself to call the specialists.
The first way is to have a plunger. This traditional device can do miracles in unclogging basic blockages. It is important to ensure to produce a well-sealed covering the drain and press rigorously yet carefully.
Plunging may not work so a combination of baking soda and vinegar may help. Add half a cup of each into the drain, leave for more or less 30 minutes then sprinkle with warm water. It is a natural method that in many cases dissolves grease or other particles.
Another useful device to take care of hard-to-crack blockage is a plumbing snake. Insert it carefully in your pipes and rotate them in the direction that you are forcing to flush out any obstructive material.
Also, don not forget a pair of gloves when using these tools and cleaners! Doing these measures early will help you avoid bigger problems in the future.
What is the time to go to a specialist
When it is time to rely on experience is an important thing to understand. In case your efforts to clear a congested sewer are not bearing fruits or in case you suspect that the blockage is too large, you should employ a professional. Recurring stench, regular back clogged toilet, and sluggish drainage time even after repair by self-driven means are definite signs that something bigger is going on beneath the hood.
Technical plumbers possess skills and equipment that can solve complicated obstructions effectively. They are able to know the exact location of the problem by carrying a comprehensive inspection with cameras and not by digging. They also have experience so they will detect the presence of challenges that you might not realize.
Do not feel fear to ask other people to help you, in case you feel uncertain whether it is possible to take this on by yourself. And this early initiative will be able to prevent greater harm and expensive future repairs. It is always advisable to ensure the safety and habitable design of your dwelling home, and this happens mainly when there is a case of sewer blockages in regards to the issue of plumbing.