Sewer drains are absolutely essential to the running of your home.  They transfer all of the waste from your drains into the sewage mains, keeping it out of sight and mind for those who live in the home.  However, this also means that when a sewer drain is blocked it can be disastrous for the home, and if this is the case then it needs to be detected and treated right away.  By the time you realize what has happened, you probably already have an issue on your hands, so the best thing you can do is treat it immediately.

Plumbing is better now than it ever has been in the past, but clogs and leaks still happen and it’s important to know how to deal with it when they do.  Sewer line clogs are caused by items accumulating in the sewer pipe making it hard for anything to move past.  Accumulation tends to be caused by grease and fat, substances that water cannot wash away.  This can be prevented by never pouring hot oil or fat down your drain, so it can’t accumulate.  Tree roots can also be the cause of such blockages, as can paper products, hair and food waste.

So how can you tell if you have a sewer line drain clog?  Early detection is key, so these symptoms are important to know:

• Slow drainage
• Toilets that don’t flush properly
• Backed up water
• Leaks in your garden

The main thing to look for here is backed up water in multiple drains within the house rather than just one.

Thankfully, if you notice it fast, there are things that you can do to fix this issue before it causes more damage to the home:

• Use drain cleaner.  This can be enough to work through the material if the clog isn’t made up of tough foreign objects.  You can make your own drain cleaner at home using vinegar and baking soda, or you can buy more heavy duty ones with chemicals added to help clear a blockage.
• An Auger.  This is going to reach into the plumbing system to break down the clog using a pointed tip.  This is effective right away in breaking up clogs in the sewer drain.

Be sure to turn off the main water supply before doing any of these steps and always wear protective gear to keep yourself safe.  It is also important to note that the best way to clear a sewer drain in your basement is by hiring a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done to a high standard and no further damage will occur later down the line.