Things That Go Drip: Sewer Drain Clogs
A sewer drain stoppage can quickly cause massive problems is it is not fixed. This is a plumbing emergency. If you suspect you have a sewer drain stoppage, avoid using ANY of the household plumbing fixtures until it has been cleared. There are several ways you can verify if you have a sewer main clog.
Toilets backing up. Toilets are the best indicator of a sewer clog because they drain directly into the mainline.
Tub and shower drains backing up. If both the tub drains and the toilets are backing up, a sewer line clog is likely.
Odd fixture behaviors. If you flush the toilet and water backs up into the shower or tub drain, you likely have a sewer line clog. The water can't get where it needs to go, so it takes the path of least resistance, back up through the next lowest drain.
Run the water closest to the toilet after flushing and look for bubbles in the toilet indicating air in the system. Also check to see if the water level in the toilet is rising. That is an indicator that the clog is in the sewer line and not just a toilet clog.
Sometimes the washing machine backs up into the shower or tub. If this happens but the toilets are working properly, a problem with the washing machine is far more likely than a sewer line issue.
Finally, locate the mainline clean out and look for either standing water or water flowing out of the clean out. If you see either of these, you have a sewer clog. You will to clear the pipes with an auger or hire a licensed plumber to take care of it. Sometimes this is caused by tree roots growing in at the joints. If you know tree roots have caused a problem in the past, you should discuss how often you will need maintenance on the pipes. If you have gray water or sewage backup into your home, call a professional restoration service to ensure a proper clean up.