Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Oneida, TN

Your home has a few telltale signs of a sewer line problem. If you notice multiple plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, or shower drains) appear to be clogged, call a plumber ASAP. Also, if water appears in the tub or shower when you flush the toilet, you likely have a sewer line issue. A sulfur (rotten eggs) smell and bubbling or gurgling noises at the drain also warrant a check. And keep your eyes peeled for changes to the yard, such as a new indentation or mysteriously soggy grass.

You could be smelling sewer gas in your kitchen because of a dry P-trap, clogged vent pipe, or leaking plumbing seals. If you smell a rotten egg odor, check your sink’s P-trap and plumbing connections first. A clogged or damaged vent pipe can trap sewer gas and push it back into your kitchen through the plumbing pipes. Loose or deteriorated seals around drainpipes can also allow sewer gas to leak out. If you can’t find the source, call a local plumber for expert help.

It is generally safe to stay in a house with sewer gas for a short time, even though short-term exposure is unpleasant. However, prolonged inhalation can cause headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation. High levels of methane—which is in sewer gas—can pose an explosion risk in enclosed spaces. Ventilate the area and call a pro if you smell sewer gas or experience related health symptoms.

The best practice is to hydro jet your sewer line once per year. However, there are several factors that can affect this recommendation, including the age and condition of your pipes, how often your sewer line is used, and the type of waste disposed of in the system. When in doubt, ask a licensed plumber for their recommendation for your plumbing system.