A clog in your sewer line affects all toilets and drains in your home. It’s obviously much worse than just dealing with one clogged sink or toilet. It’s also not as easy to fix, especially if you try to fix the issue on your own.

Clogged sewer lines are something you absolutely want to get fixed as soon as possible. If left alone, it just gets worse and believe us when we say that you do not want the end result (which is usually raw sewage backing up and out of your drains) that occurs if the problem is not fixed sooner, rather than later.

How Do Sewer Lines Get Clogged?

The diameter of a standard sewer pipe is 6 inches – so it’s not very common that clogs occur because of something that was thrown down the toilet or drain. Of course – it can happen – we’re just saying it’s not the most common reason for sewer pipes to get clogged.

What IS the most common cause is when tree roots (or other plant roots) find a crack in the pipe and make their way in. It’s very normal for plant roots to be attracted to the moisture and the warmer temperature in and around these pipes.

Once the roots get into the pipe – then it’s just a matter of them continuing to grow, going deeper and deeper into the pipe and before you know it – there’s a big clog in your sewer line.

It would be extremely difficult for most homeowners to identify this problem – we recommend that you call in professional plumbers who can do a Sewer Line Camera Inspection. This is a very efficient and cost effective solution to finding that clog and its cause.

Tell Tale Signs Of A Sewer Line Clog

There are some signs that you can look for that will let you know that yes, you may certainly have a clog in your sewer line.

  • All or multiple drains are backing up
  • Water in all or multiple drains is going down slowly
  • All or multiple toilets are backing up
  • Signs of sewage or standing water in or near your sewer cleanout
  • Water backs up in the shower and/or bathtub when the toilet flushes
  • Toilet doesn’t flush or it gurgles

If you notice any of these signs in your home – chances are fairly high that you have a clog in your sewer line.

What Can You Do?

The first thing you must do is to stop running water and stop flushing the toilet. Adding water to the problem will not help the situation. If you want to take it an extra step you can turn off the main water supply to your house.

But, the answer to this question depends entirely on the specific problem that is causing the clog. If it’s due to tree or plant roots in the line – then there’s not much that the average homeowner can do except to call in their plumber. But if the clog is due to an object wedged in the pipe then you may be able to flush it out – but again – it requires an auger cable (or plumbing snake – a really, really long one).

The best way to know WHAT is causing the clog is to use a sewer camera inspection service (as we mentioned before). It will save you a lot of time and money in the long run because it alleviates the hunting process as you search for what is clogging that line.

Could It Be A Clog In The City’s Sewer Line?

The answer is yes, the clog in the sewer pipe could be a backup in the city main instead of in your own sewer line. The signs would be exactly the same so the best way to know is to contact a few of your neighbors and ask if they are having the same problem. If they are – you can then check with your city to get some information on the problem.

Below is a list of the local water and sewer departments in the areas that we serve.

  • Bartow County – 770-387-5170
  • Cherokee County – 770-479-1813
  • Cobb County – 770-419-6201
  • Douglas County – 770-949-7617
  • Fulton County North – 404-612-3061
  • Fulton County South – 404-612-3163
  • Gwinnett County – 678-376-6800
  • Paulding County – 770-222-6868

If you have any questions about your sewer lines and you live in the Atlanta, Georgia area, call Atlantis Plumbing at 770-505-8570.