There are few things quite as alarming as a sewage backup in your home. As well as being highly unpleasant and unsanitary, a sewage backup can cause real damage to your home’s plumbing system from causing damp problems thanks to small cracks all the way to a burst pipe. Of course, there’s never a good time to have a problem like this. However, there are worse times to deal with a sewage leak like the summer season in Las Vegas, where this kind of heat only makes it more dangerous to clean up.
4 Signs of a Possible Sewage Backup
It’s important that you know what to look out for when it comes to potential sewage backups so that you can identify and fix them before they cause real problems. If you spot any of these four signs, it would be best to call a plumber to check for sewage backups in your system.
1. Your Drains Stink
Your drains may not be the most pleasant part of a home, but they should not have an overpowering smell of any kind. If you notice a lingering smell, it could be that your drain has a build-up of grease, fat, body care products, or food that a store-bought drain cleaner could temporarily fix. If, however, you notice a smell of human waste or sewage then you should call a plumber immediately. This is a sure sign that there is a bigger problem brewing.
2. Multiple Drains are Clogged
Small clogs are quite common in a busy home. Food, hair, toilet paper, even sanitary towels and feminie products can quickly become lodged in pipes if you’re not careful. In most cases, these clogs can be cleared without professional intervention. If, however, you notice that multiple drains are blocked at once, or that one drain is clogging repeatedly, it’s time to call the plumber for a thorough inspection.
3. You Notice Bubbling
This is a very easy to spot warning sign because as water tries to pass by a clog in your drain pipe it can be pushed back to the surface and cause bubbling. If you see bubbles after you flush your toilet or while draining the sink, it is a strong sign that you may have a serious blockage somewhere in your system. Of course, bubbling can occur on a one-time basis so it pays to check that it is a recurring issue before calling out your plumber. If you notice it in the same drain multiple times or in more than one drain in your house at the same time, you should have your plumbing checked.
4. Toilet Isn’t Flushing Properly
If your once efficient and fast-working toilet is now flushing slowly and plunging doesn’t help, it is a common sign of a sewage backup. Normal plunging will not improve the flow of water if there is an underlying issue in the sewage line. While bubbling is normal after you plunge a toilet, if the issues continue to persist even after a good plunging, it’s more than likely that there is a larger issue that you don’t want to delay getting repaired.
If you notice any of these signs it is time to call your local reputable plumber like Rebel Refrigeration, AC & Plumbing. A pre-emptive check is far better than a major emergency repair, after all. If you notice any of these signs, call us at 702-766-9436 or contact us here.