Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Halifax, VT

No, you should not see water in a sewer cleanout. If you do, it could indicate that you have a block or leak in your main sewer line—which can cause sewage to back up inside your home and potentially flood your yard. Your best bet is to call a local sewer cleaner if you notice any water or sewage around your cleanout.

Cat pee has a strong ammonia-like smell, so if you smell cat pee but don’t have a cat or don’t suspect your cat has any accidents, there could be other issues at hand. Aside from pet urine, your house may smell like cat pee from leaking freon from an old fridge, mold, spilled cleaning supplies, or even outside odors from nearby farms.

While some chemical drain cleaners with hydrochloric acid can dissolve hair, this method is not recommended as it can also destroy your plumbing pipes. A common DIY alternative is using baking soda and vinegar, which can help break down the clog but will not actually dissolve the hair. The best and safest method for clearing a hair clog is to remove it manually. You can use a drain snake, a straightened wire hanger with pliers to fish out the clog, or have a plumber use a professional auger for more severe blockages.

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.