Don’t Get Clogged Up: Essential Sewer and Drain Knowledge
Think of your home’s plumbing as its circulatory system. Just as clogged arteries can cause major health problems, damaged or blocked sewers and drains can bring your normal day to a frustrating halt.
You might notice backed-up water, slow-draining sinks, or even soggy, smelly patches on your lawn—all signs that your “plumbing arteries and veins” need attention. Ignoring these issues can quickly lead to expensive water damage and a huge headache. You need a trusted partner for reliable drain cleaning and repair to keep things flowing freely.
Why Clogged Shower Drains Are a Big Deal
Slow shower drains are more than just annoying. When water can’t escape the shower pan due to a clog, it creates a stagnant, moist environment—the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Mold only needs moisture and a food source to thrive, and a clogged drain is full of both! The usual culprits are hair mixed with sticky soap scum and oils, especially in homes with hard water.
How Your Main Sewer Line Works
Your main sewer line is the highway for all the water leaving your home. All the smaller drainpipes from your sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances funnel “gray water” and waste into larger pipes, which ultimately connect to that one large main sewer line buried underground.
This main line then carries everything away to either the city sewer system or your private septic tank. It’s one of your home’s most important plumbing systems, handling all the wastewater from your toilet flushes, washing machine cycles, dishwashers, and more.
Spotting the Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line
A sewer line clog is serious because it means absolutely none of the wastewater can leave your house. We’re clearing these lines every day, often due to build-ups from things that should never go down the drain—like grease, pasta, or “flushable” wipes.
Catching a clog early can save you a massive headache. Be on the lookout for these classic warning signs:
Multiple slow-moving drains throughout your house.
A gurgling or bubbling sound coming from your toilet when you run a sink or shower.
The distinct smell of sewage inside your home.
Backup visible in your main sewer line cleanout pipe outside.
An Ounce of Prevention…
The single most common cause of a clogged drain is the accumulation of non-flushable items. Remember, the only thing that is truly designed to disintegrate in your plumbing system is toilet paper.
10 Things NOT to Put Down the Drain or Toilet:
Paper Towels
Baby Wipes (even the ones labeled “flushable” aren’t!)
Feminine Hygiene Products
Tissues
Cat Litter
Toys (kids love to see what disappears!)
Grease or Cooking Oil
Coffee Grounds
Dental Floss
Hair (use a drain catch in showers)
Do You Need a Repair or a Full Replacement?
A lack of regular drain maintenance can cause problems in the sewer line piping over time. However, other issues—like invasive tree roots or ground shifting—can also cause sewer line breaks.
A simple cleaning won’t fix structural problems. You may need a sewer line repair or replacement if you notice:
Regular, recurring backups of your main sewer line.
A constant smell of sewage indoors.
Patches of your lawn that are unusually damp or have excessively lush grass or foliage (waste is fertilizing the area).
The most accurate way to diagnose the problem is with a sewer line camera inspection. This process allows us to see exactly what is happening inside your underground pipe and pinpoint the precise location of the issue.
How to Maintain Your Sewer Line
You can help avoid a major repair or replacement with a few preventative measures:
Invest in professional cleaning: We highly recommend a periodic process involving snaking, power rodding, and hydro-jetting the main sewer line. This is much more effective than home remedies at removing stubborn blockages and build-ups.
Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners: They may temporarily clear a clog in your tub, but over time, these corrosive chemicals can actually damage and corrode your pipes. Opt for biological or enzyme-based cleaners instead.
Stop flushing unapproved items: Repeat after us: only toilet paper goes down the toilet, and never wash grease away in the sink!
Call PDM Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Since 1885
Is your drainage system slowing you down? The drain service team at PDM Plumbing, Heating, Cooling is ready to help. For over 140 years, we’ve been the Joliet area’s go-to choice for exceptional sewer and drain service. We tackle all these issues and more, taking care of our customers’ homes and businesses as if they were our own.
Experience the dedication and caring service that has defined us for generations. Contact PDM at 815-390-7095 to schedule service and ensure your peace of mind!
