A clogged sewer line may be unseen, however it can cause an extensive amount of damage inside of your commercial property. The average property owner is probably aware of the fact that the sewer line transports wastewater from the building to the underground sewer mains. However, most commercial property owners give little to zero thought to their main sewer line until they experience a blockage in the line. Unfortunately, a clogged sewer line may very well lead to a raw sewage backup that enters into the property from the drains and toilets.
This of course could lead to a costly sewer line repair or replacement. It also can cause a tremendous amount of damage to the property. Commercial property owners who understand and respond quickly to the early warning signs can actually avoid significant sewer problems. The following information will provide you with a few ways to tell if the main sewer line is clogged at your commercial property.
Clogged Drains And Or Clogged Toilets
Perhaps the most common red flag that you have an issue with the sewer line at your commercial building is when water backs up out of the drains and or toilets. You may also hear a gurgling sound coming from the drains. In essence, your building is trying to talk to you. If people notice that when they are done using a sink and the toilets begin to percolate, or there is water around the floor drain in the basement, that is one of the first signs of a major blockage in the main sewer line. The plumbing/sewer system in your building is set up like a tree. There is one main trunk that runs out of the property, and then there are smaller branches that run off of that.
If the clog is in the main line, it means that any water that is run in the building tends to cause issues. On the other hand, if it is a secondary plumbing line, the issue will simply be isolated to the problem occurring in the secondary line. For example, if a bathroom sink is not draining properly, it may very well back up into another sink. If the toilet in that bathroom flushed correctly, it is most likely a secondary line issue. However, if the toilet percolates when you run the sink and there is water pooling around the floor drain in the basement, the issue is a clog in the main line.
Sewer Gas Odor
If you can smell sewer gas in or around your commercial property, it is another tell tale sign that the main sewer line is experiencing a problem. There may even be a crack somewhere in the sewer line. A sanitary sewer system should be airtight in all locations with the exception of the ventilation stacks that are typically located on the roof of your building. In essence, the only time that you will smell sewer odor in or around the building is when there is a crack or opening in the sewer line.
Mold Issues
If you discover mold growing on the floors, walls, or ceilings at your commercial property, it is another tell tale sign that the main sewer line is experiencing a problem. There are certain types of molds that begin to grow when the humidity level reaches 55%. A clogged sewer pipe, that is located on the inside of the property can certainly cause the humidity levels to rise to the point that mold will begin to grow. That means if you notice mold growth inside your commercial building, especially if it is joined by sewer odor, you most likely have a clog or even a crack in the main sewer pipe.
Schedule A Sewer Video Camera Inspection ASAP
If you suspect that there is an issue with the main sewer line at your commercial property, you need to schedule a sewer video camera inspection as soon as possible in order to discover the root of the issue. It is an efficient and cost effective procedure that will help to pinpoint the block, crack, or break in the main sewer line.
If you have any questions about main sewer line blockages, or would like to schedule service we are happy to help. Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
continue reading
