Modern plumbing systems have quite literally reshaped the world. We're able to build massive, clean, and healthy cities in large part due to modern plumbing. Likewise, the spread of serious diseases, like cholera, has been greatly arrested. Yet even the best modern sewage systems can break down from time to time. One of the most common and serious problems includes main line clogs.

Fortunately, by contacting a plumbing or septic services company, you can often get main line clogs addressed relatively quickly. Let's take a closer look at what the main lines are. After that, we'll examine some common signs that you may have a problem.

What Is a Main Line Clog?

The main line is what connects your home or other property to the local sewer system or a septic tank. Basically, this line runs between where the waste is generated (your home or business) and where it's stored or disposed of.

Some people think that only municipal sewer systems have main lines. However, the line running between a home and a septic tank is also often called a main line. According to Growing Blue, roughly 26 million Americans use septic tanks and main line clogs remain a relatively common issue for them and for those connected to city sewer systems too.

Worried that you might have a main line clog but not quite sure? If that's the case, it's smart to reach out to plumbers or a septic service company. You can also keep an eye out for some obvious warning signs at home. We'll cover some of the most common symptoms of main line clogs below. If you notice anything, it's smart to get in touch with experts right away. Quick action could save you from expensive repair bills and other headaches later on.

Several Drains Are Draining Slowly

One slow drain hints at a problem with the specific drain. It may be clogged or the pipe might be damaged. However, if you have multiple drains emptying slowly, it could be due to a main line clog. Since all drains lead to the main line, when it gets clogged, all of the drains will struggle to drain.

Generally speaking, the closer the drain is to the main line, the more the drain will slow down. Often, drains on the first floor will slow down the most initially. However, as the main line jam worsens, the drains will continue to slow down, and eventually drains further away will really struggle.

Drains Get Clogged More Easily

If the main line is jammed up or emptying slowly, it may lead to the toilets and drains in your home clogging up more easily and more frequently. The pipes and sewage system inside the home could also be at fault, of course. In either case, it's wise to contact sewage and septic experts to get the problem sorted.

Bad Odors Are Becoming Common

Bathrooms can be smelly places, but that should be the exception, not the rule. If you're suffering from a main line clog, foul odors may start to seep out of the drains in your home. This includes the drains not just in your bathroom, but also in the kitchen and laundry room (or wherever else there's a drain).

The Water Starts to Back Up

Water may start backing up into your sink, shower, or tub. This water may be brackish and brown (and contaminated). It may also smell quite bad. If water is backing up, it suggests that not only do you have a main line clog, but also that it's a pretty bad clog.

The water itself could damage your showers and tubs. Clean-up could become a pain and rather gross too. There's a risk that diseases might spread. The point is, if water is backing up, you'll want to contact experts right away.

You Hear Gurgling Sounds

How often do you listen to your drains, toilets, washing machines, and the like? Probably not too often. However, if you think that you're experiencing main line clogs, you should lend your plumbing system an ear. If the pipes are clogging up, you may hear a gurgling sound. This sound is because the pipes are struggling to drain.

What to Do When Main Line Clogs Become an Issue

First, if you're noticing obvious signs of a main line clog, you'll want to stop using your toilets, sinks, and showers right away. If you continue to strain your plumbing system, the problem could get worse. After that, it's time to contact septic and plumbing experts. Quick action could save you time, money, and a lot of headaches, so it's best to act quickly. Call Reliable Septic & Services today to request a free quote!