You may be wondering to yourself, "How do I know if my sewer needs service?" Generally speaking, unless you're dealing with a simple clog, you'll probably need to call in an expert plumber.
And if you tried to unclog a simple clog and weren't able to, then you'll need help with that too.
A few other tips for what to do before calling someone to help you out include:
Pouring boiling water down the drain to clear the clog
Pulling the clog out yourself with your hand
Using a hook to get it out
Putting in vinegar and baking soda to clear the clog
If you decide to do any of these, remember to be safe. If the clog has caused a flood in your home, turn off all electronics before dealing with it. Put on the right clothes, such as a sturdy pair of boots, if you're going to walk through sewage water, and wear a mask and goggles.
Even then, considering that there are health risks associated with being around sewage—such as Hepatitis A, salmonella, and dysentery—we recommend a professional to deal with any sewage flooding issues you may have in your home.
What to Do if You Notice a Bad Sewer Smell
A bad sewer smell can be a nasty problem. Not only is it a sign that something's gone wrong with your sewer, but it's also a problem that negatively impacts your everyday life by making your bathroom, kitchen, or whole house stink.
If this is happening to you, then it isn't a simple clog.
Chances are, your entire sewage system is clogged up, and it's raw sewage causing the smell. Aside from the nasty smell, you can tell this is going off if your toilets aren't flushing or your sinks aren't emptying out quickly or fully.
Because it's raw sewage you're dealing with, it's not safe to fix this problem yourself. Instead, get a professional to come in and fix it.
How to Fix a Sewer Backing up Into a Ditch
If you have a sewer backing up into a ditch, then this means that the water from your septic tank is leaking. This can be unsafe, putting polluted water out into the ground.
However, it can be difficult to spot this issue since so many of your pipes are underground. If there's a ditch near your property, though, you might be able to spot it by seeing if your septic pipe tank is spilling there.
Another option is to look beneath the manhole.
However, it can be dangerous to look into the manhole, both because it's difficult to lift and because it can be quite a drop down to the sewer system. If you find yourself in this position, we recommend calling in a plumber to deal with this problem.
A Few Extra Tips
Here are a few extra tips for dealing with a clog in your home. First, remember that you can use Coca Cola or Pepsi to dissolve a clog. Because of the dissolving agents in it, it will eventually break apart the clog.
Another tip: to avoid having clogs in the future, replace your pipes with plastic pipes.
They're resistant and strong, and if you're constantly dealing with blockages, it's time to get your pipes replaced anyway. While this is pricey, it'll save you money (and headaches) in the future.
If you can't afford that, just remember to be careful about what you put down the drain.
If you notice a clog starting to form (the water takes just a few extra seconds to drain, for example), then destroy it before it gets so bad that you need to bring in a plumber.
Need More Help With Your Home?
Do you need more help with your home? Maybe it's not just clogs you want to deal with, but also issues with the heating not working properly or needing a new gas line installed.
Whether you want to know how to fix a backup sewer problem or something else, here at 1-800-Plumber +Air of Eastside Seattle, we can help. Call today, and we'll give you a free estimate on your sewer repair.
