Are you and or your tenants having any issues with the toilets, sinks, and or tubs/showers at property that you own or manage? If you answered yes to this question than the problem may not be with a particular plumbing fixture or fixtures. The problem may be a clogged sewer line. So how can you tell if that’s the issue or there is something else wrong with the plumbing? If any of the following is happening it is a good indication that you are suffering from a clogged sewer line. The most common sign is when water begins to back up out of the toilet or the drain.

You can tell this is happening if water starts to pool around a floor drain. Another common indicator is when the water drains really slowly, and there is a gurgling sound emanating from the drains. This will typically happen after running appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers or commercial appliances that utilize water. If you smell raw sewage in or around the property that is a tell tale sign that you have a clogged sewer line. Did you know that clogs might occur in the main sewer line or in one of the smaller secondary sewer pipes?

However, if the clog is in the main sewer line it will negatively affect all of the plumbing fixtures and drains located within the property. That means anytime the water is being used it will cause a backup. On the other hand, if the clog is occurring in the secondary line, the issue will typically be remote to that area only. For example, if a sink fails to drain and the water backs up into the shower, but the toilet flushes without issue it’s most likely a secondary line concern. That makes it a lot easier to fix the problem. So what causes a clogged sewer line?

A main cause is tree roots. This holds especially true if the building is older. In essence, tree roots work their way into the sewer pipes that are buried underground. Once they make their way in through tiny cracks or breaks in the pipeline the tree roots continue to grow. Eventually they will grow so large that they block the sewer line. In essence, the tree roots act as a dam that does not allow the waste and wastewater to pass through. Another common cause is due to items that are flushed down the toilet that should not be flushed down the toilet.

For example, paper towels, extra thick wads of toilet paper, and personal care products can all cause clogs. That means you shouldn’t flush anything down the toilet that you’re not sure can actually go down the toilet without causing a problem.
