Common Clogged Sewer Line Causes and Fixes

How to Fix a Main Sewer Line Clog

Does your drain keep clogging? Some clogs are easy DIY fixes with some gloves and a plunger. Other clogs return again and again like they were created specifically to aggravate you. Unfortunately, recurring main drain clogs can happen in every home and are likely the cause of a sewer line backup. All plumbing pipes in your home are connected to the main sewer line, which can become clogged due to improper care and maintenance. If you have a persistent clog in your main drain, it’s best to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and let a certified technician perform a professional blocked drain repair for your home in Princess Anne, Berlin, Salisbury, Ocean City, or another nearby area in Maryland.

What Are the Common Causes of a Clogged Sewer Line?

When your main drain or sewer line is clogged, there are some common reasons this may be happening: 

  • Sagging, cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged sewer pipes
  • Tree roots that penetrate the sewer line and prevent sewage from being drained properly
  • Improper toilet usage, such as flushing away:
    • Feminine products
    • Baby wipes and diapers
    • Paper towels or napkins
    • Food
    • Q-tips
    • Medicine or pills
  • Grease, fats, or oils being poured down the drain will eventually coagulate, causing backups and blockage

Can Toilet Paper Clog a Sewer Line?

Using a toilet as a garbage can will have detrimental effects on your sewage system, which is why we stress the importance of only flushing away human waste and toilet tissue. However, a toilet or sewage system can be clogged even by things it was invented to dispose of. Too much toilet paper won’t dissolve in the water as quickly, which can end up clogging the pipes. The type of toilet paper you use is also important. Your toilet paper should be comfortable to use, but it should also dissolve quickly. If it’s too thick and takes too long to soften, it might be causing clogs in your main drain, especially if your plumbing is old or hasn’t been serviced in a long time.

Take a look at one of local videos where we explain some common symptoms of a main drain sewer line clog, and what you can do about it:

The Consequences of Leaving Drain Clogs Unchecked

While minor clogs can be cleared away with household tools, frequent clogging often suggest that you have a major clog developing in your drain line. Major clogs often form over months or years through the accumulation of soap residue, fats, hair, and other organic debris. These clogs require specialized tools to get rid of, and if a homeowner neglects to address a major clog, minor clogs will continue to occur with greater and greater frequency.

Severe clogs might also reveal an even more serious problem: tree roots growing into the drain line. Left alone, tree roots can entirely destroy your pipes, resulting in a massive clog that leads to a massive wastewater leak. Removing a tree root ball from your pipes requires pipe removal, pipe installation, and specialized clog removal tools. 

If you suspect that you have a major clog in your drainage system, it's vital that you speak with an experienced plumber in Ocean City as soon as possible.

How Often Should Sewer Lines Be Cleaned?

Like all home appliances, sewer lines need proper care and maintenance to function properly. Most homeowners don’t give their sewage system a second thought, let alone keep up with routine care until they encounter a sewer line backup. The key to preventing disastrous blockages is taking preventative measures. That means calling an experienced Ben Franklin plumber to inspect and clean your sewer lines every 18-22 months. This service is not expensive, but it will prevent costly repairs and replacements in the future.

If you encounter any of the symptoms mentioned above and your main drain keeps clogging, call a Benjamin Franklin plumber to inspect and repair your sewer line today. We’ll check all the necessary components, such as bathroom pipes, main drain pipes, clogged kitchen drains, etc. for all residents in Laurel, Salisbury, Berlin, Dagsboro, and throughout Delmarva.

Give us a call today at (410) 709-7386 or contact us online for all your emergency plumbing needs in Maryland.