A sewage backup is an alarming and hazardous problem; once your sewage line starts to back up in your plumbing system, it can create structural damage, expose you and your family to bacteria, and make remediation necessary. By knowing and looking for the signs of a sewage backup, you can have professionals fix the problem immediately to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Here are five indications you have a sewage backup!
Bad Smells Coming From Your Drains
One of the earliest signs of a sewer backup is the smell. You may pick up odours of sulphur, mould, or unidentifiable waste coming from your drains. They may be most noticeable right after you’ve cleaned when you expect a fresh scent and get a nose full of unpleasantness instead. Not all bad smells mean you’re facing a backup. It could be food waste trapped in the pipes, and you can use ordinary odour elimination measures to remove them. If they don’t work and the smells keep coming through, however, there’s a good chance you could see a sewage backup.
Slow Drains
The condition of your drains is an excellent indicator of pending sewer backup in your Toronto or London home. If they are slow to empty, it may be a sign of buildup in the lines that you must clear before it grows to block the drain completely. Your first instinct is probably to go for chemical drain cleaners, and it could be the solution – but if it’s not, consult a professional. If a chemical cleaner doesn’t resolve the problem the first time you try, repeated attempts won’t succeed. In fact, chemical cleaners can sit in blocked or broken drains, leading to further clogging and corrosion of the pipes. They will break down further, making the inevitable problem worse.
One Fixture Affects Another
If water is backing up in your bathroom while the washing machine in your basement is running, you likely have damage or a clog in your sewer lines. A blockage in your lines – whether caused by the buildup of debris or external material like tree roots growing in your pipes – is likely stopping the water from flowing out. This water is looking for another escape route, with the blockage forcing it through another drain. It’s one of the surest signs you’ll experience a sewage back up soon. Act quickly to get a professional inspection – it could mean avoiding contact with raw sewage and germs in your home!
Your Toilets Are Backing Up Frequently
When the water in your toilet rises consistently and without any identifiable cause, take it seriously. There’s always a chance you’re just using the wrong kind of toilet paper for your plumbing. But regular clogs, backups, and overflow can also be an indicator that there’s a problem with your main sewer line. Don’t panic about the occasional toilet backup. Flushing non-flushable items can cause temporary blockages that you can resolve with a plunger or a drain snake. However, when it comes without any identifiable cause, call a professional!
Strange Noises From The Pipes
Blockages in your sewer lines can cause toilets, tubs, and faucets to emit strange sounds. These include uncharacteristic bubbling, gurgling, and other noises whenever you turn on the water, flush the toilet, or pour something down a drain. These noises occur because air is getting in where it shouldn’t and water can’t flow to where it should. While these sounds may not seem like a bother, they’re a clear sign of a sewage line issue that could lead to a backup.