Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Ames, IA

Thankfully, it’s pretty rare to find a rat in your toilet. It’s more likely in larger cities with big sewer systems that can be feeding grounds for rats, but even then, you still shouldn’t fret. 

“I wouldn’t worry too much about rats coming up through the sewers,” Bradshaw says. “I’d say only one out of a thousand rodent customers we get actually have this problem. And of the 20 or some customers that have had this happen, they’ve all only had just one rat come up this way.”

A professional drain cleaner is a plumber or specialized drain cleaner with the necessary tools to unclog drains and tiles to keep waste water flowing out to the septic tank or city sewer for processing. Keeping wastewater from backing up into your home helps keep you and your family safe from potential contamination and sickness. These pros can help resolve nearly any drain situation in a safe and efficient manner.

Sewer gas in any location can cause eye and respiratory irritation if you’re exposed at low levels, or more severe symptoms if you’re exposed at high levels—but fortunately, the fresh air outside means it’s less likely to affect your physical health. However, sewer smells outside can still indicate significant plumbing problems that will need to be dealt with, such as a potentially damaged sewer line or roof vent pipe.

There are several common signs that your main sewer line may be clogged. Key indicators include multiple fixtures in your home draining slowly, gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets, and water backing up into showers, sinks, or toilets. You might also notice water backing up from the plumbing system's drain cleanout, water in your basement drain, or unexplained wet patches on your lawn. Foul odors, such as the smell of raw sewage or rotten eggs, are another common symptom. The most reliable way to confirm a main sewer line clog is to hire a professional plumber to perform a camera inspection.