We’ve all experienced a clogged toilet or slow-moving drain. It can be an annoying and frustrating experience when a plumbing fixture becomes blocked and stops draining. Yet, sometimes a clogged toilet or backed-up drains can be the sign of a more serious problem.

If you are continually experiencing problems with the drains and toilet in your home, you could be suffering from a sewer line problem. Unlike the common clog, a sewer line issue requires the help of professional plumbers in Charleston, SC, to correct the situation. Here we will discuss some of the things you need to look out for when your drains and toilet aren’t working correctly.

Some of the Signs of a Serious Sewer Line Problem

If the following problems are occurring on a regular basis, it’s time to contact a trusted professional to check your sewer line:

Failure of Multiple Drains in the House

If you are experiencing multiple back-ups in your house — for example, the toilet isn’t flushing, the shower isn’t draining, and the kitchen sink is clogged — this is a clear indication that there is something wrong with the main sewer line. In order for multiple drains to have issues, it is most likely due to a drainage problem with the main sewer line. A significant clog or collapse of the sewer line will cause drainage problems with all of your plumbing fixtures.

A slow drain is often one of the first signs of a blockage, but one slow drain is not necessarily the end of the world. In most cases, when a singular fixture like a sink or your toilet begins to drain a bit slower, that’s usually a sign of an issue with the fixture itself rather than the sewer line.

However, when the problem becomes a generalized one, you need to worry about your home’s sewer line. If every fixture in your house is draining slower than it used to, then you’re probably dealing with an obstructed sewer line.

Foul Smells

Your plumbing is designed to be airtight, which means that you should never be able to smell anything coming from your drains. However, when you begin to smell rotten eggs or even raw sewage from a drain, you should immediately seek a plumber’s assistance.

In extreme cases, cracks in the sewer line or a severe obstruction can force gas back into the home. It may start with just a single drain, but if it’s left unchecked, the entire house can be filled with sewage gas, which can be harmful.

Cracks in the Foundation

A damaged sewer line can create many plumbing issues that you want to avoid if you can, but it can also lead to more severe problems with your home’s integrity. If your sewer line is leaking, then the water can wear away at your home’s foundation, causing cracks to form at the base and along the walls of your home. In severe cases, it can even cause structural collapse i

Using a Faucet in One Location Causes a Back-Up Somewhere Else

If you are using your shower and find that the sink in the bathroom or kitchen fills with water, this could be a sign of a sewer line problem. If water can not drain correctly, it will push out wherever possible, leading to water build-up in various locations within the home. Traditional techniques for clearing clogs will not work in a situation like this.

Dirt and Debris in Returning Water

When attempting to clear a clogged drain or when water is coming up from the drain, if you notice sediment in the water, this is a clear indication that there is an issue with your sewer line. The dirt and debris in the water are most likely from the sewer line and are being carried back into the home when the water can not drain properly.

Additional Signs

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Trust LimRic for Your Sewer Line Repairs

Being confronted with a main sewer line problem is a very stressful experience. Many homeowners are worried about extensive and expensive repairs. That’s why it’s important to have a plumber you can trust for sewer line issues. The expert team of LimRic plumbing technicians will perform a video inspection of your sewer main and determine the cause of your drainage problems. We will clearly explain what is needed in order to get your water flowing freely again. For more information about LimRic and our professional plumbing services, contact us today!