There is enough plumbing in the average 3,000-square-foot home to stretch out nearly 400 feet. That’s a lot of pipes! So, when an issue creeps up with your drainage, it can be extremely difficult to locate the source of the problem.
Two of the main culprits of drain blockages or slow drains are your sewer line and your main drain. Unfortunately, the symptoms of problems within either of these systems can be pretty similar, making it challenging to determine which one is causing the issue.
Coming up, we’ll go over a few ways you can whether your water main or sewer line needs repair and what you can do about it.
But First, What Is the Different Between a Sewer Line and a Main Drain?
While both the main drain and the sewer line carry wastewater away from your home, they are different systems. The main drain is a pipe that carries the wastewater from your home to the sewer line and connects to your city’s sewer system or your septic tank. The main drain is located within your home and is generally smaller in diameter than the sewer line, which is buried outside your property.
Symptoms of Main Drain Problems
Several signs could signal trouble with your main drain:
• Slow-draining sinks, bathtubs, and frequently backed-up toilets could mean that something is preventing wastewater from passing through the main drain to the sewer line.
• Gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or other plumbing fixtures could indicate that your main drain is blocked or damaged.
• Frequent clogs could be a sign that something is obstructing the flow to your main drain.
Symptoms of Sewer Line Problems
On the other hand, drainage issues could result from damage or obstructions within your sewer line. Signs to watch out for include:
• Wastewater frequently backing up into your sink, bathtub, or other plumbing fixtures could mean the sewer line is blocked or damaged.
• There’s no denying that wastewater has a distinctively unpleasant odour. If you smell something foul coming from your plumbing, it’s a good sign wastewater isn’t draining properly. This could be an issue with the sewer line or the main drain.
• Is your grass greener in one specific area, or have you noticed pooling water? Both are signs that there could be a leak or rupture of your sewer line.
Explanations For Your Sewer Line or Main Drain Problems
Your main drain or sewer line can become backed up or damaged for many reasons. But fortunately, simple changes in habit can prevent many of them. Improper disposal of things like kitchen grease food particles, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes are common causes of drain clogs. Similarly, excessive use of soap, hair buildup, and using too much toilet paper can also cause problems with your sewer line or main drain.
Unfortunately, other potential causes of sewer line disruptions may require more extensive repair. Tree root and pipe corrosion can lead to broken or cracked sewer lines; in some cases, a repair might be possible, but in others, a full sewer line replacement may be required.
If you suspect that you have a problem with your home’s sewer line or main drain, it’s vital to take action right away. Call West Coast Drainage today to inspect your plumbing system. We use a camera to inspect the sewer line and main drain, identify the problem’s source, and will advise you on the correct course of action.
