There is a big difference between the occasional, relatively simple, plug of a singular sink or toilet (easily remedied with plunging, chemicals or snaking) and that of a main sewer line clog.
The plumbing from your house is connected to your city’s sewer system or to your septic tank by what is called the main sewer line. This is the line through which all of your plumbing exits your home.
This is important because when this main line becomes clogged, you may see dirty water coming up in several places at once, which is one sure indicator of a main line clog. While you may initially notice the back up in your toilets, tubs, showers and other fixtures in your home may back up as well. The draining of your washing machine may also cause back up in a sink, toilet or floor drain. In fact, if you have a basement or lower level room in your home for your laundry, hot water tank, etc., that contains a floor drain, that floor drain may very well back up with the flush of an interior toilet, as it is usually one of the last drains out of the house running toward your sewer system. If you live in a colder climate, lack of plumbing usage in the winter can lead to a frozen main sewer line.
Stop using your home plumbing as soon as you suspect a main sewer drain clog. Water damage and bacterial waste are potential hazards. Don’t risk contaminating your home by needless delay. A professional plumber, upon thorough inspection, can find the exact location of the clog, and remove it or fix it before it becomes a more serious issue.
