It's autumn in Seattle and that means two things: Seahawks football and a lot of debris in the city's sewer systems. As we saw last year, low-lying areas of town are particularly at risk for catastrophic sewer problems. Fortunately for many homeowners, the signs of sewer trouble don't come with a gushing geyser - gross! Instead, these two primary warning signs can help you predict sewer problems and have them corrected before they cause serious damage.
1. Clogging in More Than One Fixture
A single clog is annoying. Multiple clogs at once spell disaster for your home. This indicates a system-wide problem, meaning your sewer drain may be clogged. Toilets in particular are prone to show the first signs of trouble thanks to their direct path to your sewer. If you're experiencing backups or clogs in your toilets, do the following:
- Flush First and Watch Carefully
Grab your plunger and get ready for trouble! If you flush and water comes back up to the basin or into your sink, shower, or bathtub, you've got a serious sewer clog on your hands. Call a plumber immediately.
- Run the Sink
If you've got trapped air in the system, run your sink for 5-10 minutes at a time. If the nearest toilet shows bubbling water in the basin, there's a good chance you've got sewer issues.
2. Foul Odor
That rotten eggs smell didn't just come out of nowhere. The signs of sewer problems or a serious backup can come with foul odors coming back up through your system. When this happens, avoid putting too much strain on your system and don't leave your home for more than a few hours at a time. Catching problems early and draining your sewer properly will save you money in the long run and avoid damage to your home, so if odors persist, it might be time to call a licensed plumber.
Kick your sewer problems to the curb and call Pioneer Plumbing and Heating today. Our expert team can quickly diagnose and correct your home's problems before they become more significant and costly. Give us a call or use the contact form to schedule a plumbing and sewer checkup for your home.
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