How to Spot a Hidden Sewer Backup Before It Becomes a Disaster

Major plumbing issues can be some of the biggest disasters you can face when owning a property. These issues can lead to water damage or worse if they are left unaddressed. That is why it is important to keep on top of any possible plumbing issues on your property by looking for early warning signs. In today’s blog we will be going over how to spot a hidden sewer backup before it becomes a disaster.

Slow Drains

While the occasional slow drain is normal for most plumbing systems you should take note when multiple drains slow down. Multiple slow drains can indicate that there is a blockage somewhere in your sewer system that is causing the water to flow more slowly. Generally, the drains on the lower levels of a property will become slow first with the upper levels eventually becoming slow as well.

Odors

One of the most notable signs that you might be experiencing a sewer backup is a bad smell coming from your drains. Take specific note of drains that shouldn’t normally have any odors associated with them like bathroom sinks and bath or shower drains. The odor can also start to permeate the entire property so if you start to notice a generalized bad smell with no notable source it might be time to call the plumber.

Bubbling and Gurgling Drains

A clogged sewer pipe will develop air bubbles that can create bubbling in your toilet and gurgling noises in your drains. Specifically, you should watch for bubbles after you flush or while sinks and bathtubs drain.

Water Backup

If you have a backup in your sewer line you may notice water backing up in your bathtub, shower or sink when you flush the toilet or run an appliance that uses a lot of water like a washing machine or a dishwasher.

Toilet Overflow

A backed-up sewer can lead to your toilet overflowing so if you notice that your toilet is overflowing after you flush it and a good plunging hasn’t alleviated the issue it might be time to call the plumber.

We hope we have been able to provide you with some useful indicators that you may be experiencing a sewer backup. If you have any questions about plumbing services, please feel free to contact us.

604FixLeak offers leak detection, plumbing repairs and restoration services in the Greater Vancouver area. 

If you have any questions about this article or need some help with a leak in your home or office, call us today at (604) 349-5325.