It’s easy to understand why plumbing issues rarely feature as a dinner table conversation. That’s even more true in the case of sewer backups. They are one of those home disasters that can quickly destroy your home comfort and literally turn your world upside down. When your sewer line starts sending stuff you never want to see back up instead to a far away place, things tend to get messy really fast.
The good news? There are a few warning signs that can help you detect the issue before it’s too late. Knowing what to look for will help you call 24-hour plumbers in Otay Ranch before the problem spreads throughout your home. In today’s article, we outline 6 telltale signs that your sewer line might be crying for help.
How to tell if the sewer is backing up?
Even if it looks like they happen overnight, sewer backups are often announced by a warning sign. While most homeowners are oblivious to these distress signals, catching them early is the best way to prevent the impending nightmare of structural damage and costly cleanup. Here are 6 ways your plumbing can start acting funny before the trouble starts:
1. Gurgling drains or toilets
If you’ve just used the toilet, shower, or kitchen sink, and you’ve noticed a weird bubbling or gurgling sound, don’t ignore it. That noise is a sure sign that air is trapped in your plumbing system, and it’s struggling to breathe. This happens because the water flow isn’t functioning properly, and air is getting trapped in the main line or sewer lateral.
2. Water backing up in unexpected places
Have you flushed your toilet only to notice water rising in the shower drain? That’s not normal. When wastewater can’t flow properly through the main line, the pressure will direct it to the next available exit. Sometimes it’s a shower drain, but it can also be the tub, floor drain, or kitchen sink. Cross-connection issues are always a big hint that you’ve got a blockage downstream that requires professional attention.
3. Slow drains throughout the house
While a single slow drain usually means a clog in that fixture. But when most of the drains in the home work sluggishly, there’s a great chance that a bigger problem is brewing in the main sewer line. The best way to get to the bottom of the issue is to call for a camera inspection and pinpoint the exact location of the blockage.
4. Foul odors are never a good sign
A well-functioning sewer system is airtight. No smells or leaks should ever escape a healthy sewer setup. If you’ve started to notice persistent smells that just won’t go away, inside or outside of your home, there is no time to lose. Odors near drains, in the basement, or around the yard are a solid indicator that you’re dealing with a backup or a cracked sewer pipe.
5. Wet patch in the yard
Speaking of the year area, if you’ve noticed a soggy spot of pooling water in your yard, you may have a leaking sewer line underneath. Even if there are no foul odors and the lawn looks unusually healthy and green, there is a great chance that sewage is fertilizing your garden. While the grass may look lush, this is not the kind of fertilizer that is good for you and your loved ones.
6. Frequent toilet clogs
If you’ve noticed strange flushing behavior, there is no reason to panic, but even a minor issue like this can point to a larger problem with the sewer line. Slow flushing, low water levels, and recurring backups are good indicators that you risk serious problems if you keep postponing a call to your local plumbing professionals.
Who are the leading 24-hour plumbers in Otay Ranch, CA & the region?
Whether you’re in the middle of a nasty sewer backup or you’ve spotted the red flags and want to react early, San Diego Emergency Plumbing is your trusted help 24/7. With ample on-field experience, high-end tools and equipment, and a hassle-free process that is designed to cause as little disruption as possible, we’re fast, thorough, and reliable.
From efficient solutions for clogged main lines, swift remediation of sewage backups, and a trained eye that detects mold in its infancy, we offer a comprehensive scope of emergency plumbing services near you.
If you’re located near the Otay Ranch Town Center, the outskirts of town, or anywhere in the neighboring areas, don’t let a small issue turn into a calamity. Contact us now!
