4 Things to Expect When You Hire a Plumber to Clean Your Sewer Stoppage

Does your property’s main line seem a little backed up? Think there’s a whole lot of sewer stoppage stewing in your pipes? Then you need to call your plumber ASAP, because sewer drain stoppage is a major issue. In fact, it can actually be considered a top plumbing emergency.

Sewer stoppage occurs in the main sewer line connecting your home plumbing to either your city’s municipal system or a septic tank. Once this line becomes clogged, used water from your home’s drainage system can back up and seep into your drains in different ways. Aside from being a gross sight to see, this scenario can pose an extreme health hazard to you and your family.

Here are 4 things to expect when you hire a plumber to clean your sewer stoppage.

1. Initial Clog Assessment

Different organic content contributes to clogged drains. Debris, food scraps, soap scum, hair, dirt, and other particles make their way into your main sewer line, which could lead to major clogging. Some problems can be addressed with household tools or chemicals, but if the drain is remains clogged, a plumber is better suited—and better equipped—to assess the situation and execute the best solution.

Hard tap water is also an indication of potential clogging. Hard water is basically water that contains naturally-produced minerals. These minerals gather and create a build-up in and around the drain pipes—which, as you may guess, eventually leads to clogging as well. A seasoned plumber will initially assess your drain to check its condition and analyze the complexity of the issue.

2. Video Inspection

There may be times when your plumber will need to perform a clear video inspection on your drains. To do this, a small camera is placed inside the drain via a flexible cable. This gives the technician an idea of where the clog is located exactly and what it’s made up of. Once the blockage has been located, necessary steps are taken to begin the drain cleaning process.

3. Clog Removal

The cause of clogs vary from situation to situation. There might be problems that can easily be expunged with some simple plunging and draining. Others might be a more temporary, stop-gap solution that will allow drain usage, but not without any problems.

The worst type of clogs are the ones that don’t budge even after you plunge it. These can only be removed using a process called snaking, in which a small cable is pushed through the drain to break the clog into smaller, more manageable parts.

4. Splash Protection

Unfortunately, clearing out sewage stoppage can be a messy project—literally. There’s always the risk of residual muck from the sewer line overflowing or sloshing out and getting all over everything; the walls, floors, furniture, etc. It’s not a very pleasant sight or smell, and sometimes the waste can even stain. Thankfully, professional plumbers know this and will lay out sufficient protection accordingly.

Wrapping Up

There are many reasons for main sewer drain clogs and stoppage. Unfortunately, some are caused by disasters that cannot be prevented, like collapsing pipes and tree roots. The good news is there are other things you can monitor to make sure frequent clogs don’t happen. One example is to watch out for what goes down your drain. Solid objects that are flushed down can become lodged and contribute to blockage. Also, avoid pouring oil and animal fat down the drain as well. And lastly, it always pays to have a good plumber on speed dial—one who can maintain your plumbing system and keep it running efficiently at all times.