Sewage Backing Up Into a Shower or Tub
The discovery that sewer water is backing up into your shower is enough to send many people running to the phone to call a plumber. Usually, this is a clear sign that there is a clog in the main sewer line that needs immediate attention. Exploring why this can happen helps you begin restoring the cleanliness and comfort of your shower.
Key Takeaways
- Seeing wastewater in the shower indicates a clog deep in the main drainage lines.
- Toilet water can start backing up into your shower from clogged sewer lines.
- Video camera inspections are the gold standard for diagnosing backups.
- Clog-clearing strategies include snaking, jetting and replacing sewer lines.
Common Causes of Main Line Clogs
When you think about it, the drains running away from your home get hit with a lot of debris. Soap residue, oils and even hair all run into the drains, and they can create large clogs over time.
Doing your best to avoid these common culprits for mainline clogs helps you avoid wastewater backing up at the worst possible time.
- Pouring grease and other substances that harden in the pipes
- Using non-biodegradable products, such as so-called flushable wipes
- Having mature tree root systems growing too close to the plumbing lines
- Shifting soil creating bellies in the pipes
- Failing to replace or maintain aging pipes
Early Warning Signs of a Developing Sewer Line Blockage
In an ideal scenario, you’ll clear a clog long before you’re standing in sewage in your shower. These early warning signs are telling you that it’s time to call our plumber for a professional plumbing line inspection.
- Noticing foul odors coming from drains you use regularly
- Hearing gurgling noises like water moving past an obstacle in the lines
- Seeing multiple slow drains
- Dealing with frequent smaller clogs
Steps You Can Take Now to Prevent Damage From Sewage Backing Up
Hopefully, you noticed the wastewater backing up into the shower before you stepped into it. If not, then take a moment to clean up and move forward with these simple steps.
- Turn off the water at the main valve to halt any more flow that contributes to the backup.
- Avoid using the plunger, since it won’t help any clogs that exist deep within the system.
- Use a snake to remove minor clogs, but use caution to avoid sewage getting on your body.
- Clear a clogged vent pipe, which is usually on the roof over the bathroom.
- Call a plumber if the above steps don’t work or you suspect it’s a temporary fix.
How Plumbers Use Video Pipe Inspections to Diagnose Backups
Modern technology has made it easier for our plumbers to quickly identify the source of a clog. In most cases, we won’t even have to tear into a pipe to remove the problem. Instead, we’ll simply send a camera down the main line to check for blocks of grease, tree roots, stuck hygiene products and other common clog sources.
Not only can we identify the type of clog, but we can also pinpoint the exact location. This allows us to use the most minimally invasive methods to clear mainline clogs as much as possible. While you may still need to replace aging pipes, we always prefer to help our customers find easier solutions to clear the backup.
Know the Possible Solutions Our Professional Plumbers Use to Clear Main Lines
Once we diagnose the problem, we’ll suggest these possible solutions to help you enjoy a clean shower again.
Mechanical Clearing or Snaking
Even if you tried this method yourself, professional plumbers have equipment that can generate more power and get further down sewer lines than what you’ll find in a hardware store. We typically use this method for smaller to moderate clogs that don’t involve tree roots.
Hydro Jetting
Shooting a powerful blast of water through the sewer lines is one of the most effective ways to quickly clear significant blockages. Hydro jetting is the go-to solution for addressing tree roots and other organic materials that are in the way of wastewater running through. Keep in mind that hydro jetting might not always be the best solution for older or damaged pipes.
Replacing the Sewer Lines
Plumbers can sometimes adjust the water spray while hydro jetting to prevent damage to fragile pipes. But, there are also times when we have to recommend replacing the sewer lines. Usually, this is due to severe damage to the pipes, aging or being made from outdated materials that are known for developing corrosion. If we need to replace sewer lines, we have minimally-invasive strategies we can use to protect the landscaping.
FAQs
Will removing hair clogs stop shower backups?
Keeping hair out of the drain is always a great way to prevent slow drainage, but surface clogs shouldn’t cause sewage to come out of the shower’s floor.
How do you prevent clogs in the main sewage lines?
Being cautious about what you put down the drain prevents blockages. Hygiene products, grease and large food particles should never go down any drains.
When is a full sewer line replacement necessary?
A full sewer line replacement is usually necessary when there are major problems with the pipes, such as dips or cracks.
How often should you schedule plumbing inspections for your home?
Most newer homes with modern lines only need inspections every few years or when you notice a problem. Houses with aging pipes may need annual plumbing inspections.
Halt Sewage Backups In Your Shower With Our Professional Plumbing Services
Showers should be clean, sanitary spaces where water only runs down the drain. When you find yourself staring at a mess, don’t fret. Our crew at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves the Daytona, FL area and the surrounding communities.
We know that being able to stay clean is important, which is why we stand by our promise that if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay. Give us a call today to schedule a plumbing inspection that stops sewage backups in their tracks.
