The short answer: A sewer line clog usually gives you three warnings before it backs up into your home: several drains slowing down at the same time, gurgling from the toilet when you run a sink or the washing machine, and sewer smells around your drains or out in the yard. The #1 cause is “flushable” wipes, paper towels, and feminine products, followed by grease and tree roots. Act while the drain is only slow: clearing a slow line with an auger or jetter is quick and inexpensive compared to clearing a major, built-up blockage.
Every homeowner dreads the sound of a gurgling drain or, even worse, sewage backing up into the tub. Sewer line clogs are sneaky. They often start small before turning into a messy, stressful emergency.
At Hargrave’s Plumbing, we believe in helping our neighbors catch problems early and keep their homes flowing smoothly all year round. Whether you’re in an established Lafayette neighborhood or a newer build in Youngsville, here is what you need to know about spotting and stopping sewer clogs before they disrupt your home.
3 warning signs of a developing sewer clog
Don’t wait for a full blockage to take action. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these common red flags.
1. Multiple slow drains
If your kitchen sink, shower, and toilet are all draining sluggishly at the same time, the issue is likely deep in your main sewer line, not just a localized trap.
2. Gurgling sounds
Hearing strange bubbling noises from your toilet when you run the bathroom sink or washing machine? That usually means trapped air is trying to escape your plumbing system because of a blockage. Our guide to why a toilet gurgles walks through every cause of that sound.
3. Unpleasant odors
Persistent sewer smells lingering around your drains or out in the yard are a sure sign of a developing blockage or a vent pipe issue.
Quick tips to protect your pipes
Prevention is the best medicine for your plumbing system. Follow these golden rules to avoid major backups:
- Remember the 3 P’s. Only the 3 P’s belong in the toilet: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper. “Flushable” wipes, paper towels, and feminine products do not break down safely and are the #1 cause of main sewer line clogs.
- Watch the grease. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the kitchen sink. It solidifies in the pipes and traps other debris.
- Mind the trees. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate tiny cracks in underground sewer lines. Be mindful of large trees planted near your plumbing lines.
Travis’s 3 ways to save money on clogs
From the desk of Travis Hargrave: Hey everyone! Travis here. While we’re on the topic of drain clogs, I wanted to share a few quick tips to help you keep your plumbing clear and your repair bills low.
- Don’t wait on slow drains. A slow drain easily turns into a severe clog. Zapping a slow line with an auger or jetter is quick and inexpensive compared to clearing a major, built-up blockage.
- Skip the Drano. Harsh chemical cleaners are dangerous to your health, pets, and our plumbing tools. Never rooter a line that has just been loaded with chemical cleaner. You might end up buying us a new tool and calling an emergency plumber!
- Fix sags before they catch rags. If you have an above-ground home or trailer, peek underneath to check your drain pipes. Use pipe strapping (or anything secure!) to brace any droopy, sagging pipes back into a steady, downward slope.
Want to read more? Check out our expert advice on safely clearing drains without chemicals in Men’s Journal, or read our recap of that feature.
Need help? We’ve got your back
If you suspect a stubborn clog or a backup is threatening your home, don’t wait until it becomes a disaster. Our expert team is equipped with advanced camera inspection and hydro-jetting tools to clear your lines quickly and safely.
- Lafayette location: 3138 Johnston Street, 337-344-3920
- Youngsville location: 511 Shore Drive, 337-344-3920
Give us a call today or book online to schedule your service, and ask about our seasonal sewer line inspection specials!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Drano on a clogged sewer line?
Travis’s advice is to skip it. Harsh chemical cleaners are dangerous to your health, your pets, and plumbing tools, and a line that has just been loaded with chemical cleaner should never be rootered. A slow line is better cleared mechanically, with an auger or a jetter.
How do I know if the clog is in my main sewer line?
Look at more than one fixture. If your kitchen sink, shower, and toilet are all draining slowly at the same time, or the toilet gurgles when you run the sink or washing machine, the blockage is likely deep in the main sewer line rather than in one fixture’s trap.
Do flushable wipes really clog pipes?
Yes. “Flushable” wipes do not break down safely, and together with paper towels and feminine products they are the #1 cause of main sewer line clogs. Only the 3 P’s belong in the toilet: pee, poop, and toilet paper.
Can tree roots clog a sewer line?
Yes. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate tiny cracks in underground sewer lines. If you have large trees near your sewer line, watch for the three warning signs above.
Got a stubborn drain right now?
Don’t wait until it turns into an emergency! Hargrave’s clears drains and sewer lines across Lafayette, Youngsville, and all of Acadiana. Book online or call 337-344-3920.
