Best sewer cleaners near Waterloo, IA

There are a few things that can happen to your sewer system if you don’t fix it. These include rainwater entering it and causing rust and corrosion, dirt and debris leading to blockages, small animals getting stuck inside and clogging your sewer line or entering your home, and shortening the sewer system’s life span. 

Without a cap, nothing prevents toxic and non-toxic gasses like methane and hydrogen sulfide from slowly escaping your sewer system and entering your home and the surrounding atmosphere, resulting in a foul sewer odor throughout your house.

Yes, sewage smells can originate from a floor drain. If the P-Trap in the floor drain dries out or if there's a clog or other issue in the plumbing system, sewer gasses can escape through the drain, causing nasty odors. Regularly pouring water into the drain helps maintain the water seal and prevent those smells, but if the smell persists, you should have a plumbing professional inspect the drain for potential problems.

Ejector pumps can only push sewage 750 feet or less. That’s because their purpose is to move waste from your home to your sewer line—which is a relatively short distance. Grinder pumps can transport sewage further, but they manage lower volumes of waste than ejector pumps (and they don’t work with septic systems).

If methods like hot water or a plunger don’t work on your clogged drain, you can snake your drain to dislodge the plug. This can be a messy process, taking some physical effort and additional time over the other drain-clearing options. You can purchase a drain snake at a hardware store and choose from handheld options or those attached to a drill. Just work slowly, and be ready to call a plumber if you’re unable to reach the clog from your drain or P-trap.