{"id":3111,"date":"2017-09-29T16:38:27","date_gmt":"2017-09-29T20:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hbmcclure.com\/hbhome\/blog\/dont-wait-disgusting-surprise-sewer-know-not-flush\/"},"modified":"2025-01-14T05:05:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T09:05:15","slug":"dont-wait-disgusting-surprise-sewer-know-not-flush","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hbmcclure.com\/hbhome\/blog\/dont-wait-disgusting-surprise-sewer-know-not-flush\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Wait for a Disgusting Surprise from Your Sewer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t
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\"Don\u2019tNo one wants to think about a sewer line backing up, but if you are not conducting regular sewer line maintenance in your home or watching what you send down the drain, you could find yourself with a smelly surprise.<\/p>\n

Sure Signs of Sewer Backup<\/h2>\n

A main way to tell of the sewer is backed up is usually your toilet. The toilet is directly connected to the sewer system by a large drain. So, if your toilet is frequently clogging or not flushing properly, that\u2019s a good indication that something is wrong down below. Slow running drains in sinks, tubs, and showers may also be a sign of trouble, especially if the condition is occurring in multiple locations in your home.<\/p>\n

Clogged toilets and slow drains may be mildly irritating, but what will really get your attention is water from your toilet backing up into your shower every time someone flushes. When the water from a toilet meets with a blocked sewer line, it diverts to the lowest point, which is typically your shower drain. This scenario can also occur when your washer is emptying. If you were wondering if you have a sewer line problem, wonder no more. This is a clear indication it\u2019s time to call a professional.<\/p>\n

A slightly less disgusting symptom of a sewer clog is what we affectionately call \u201cburping.\u201d Sewer clogs can cause air to become trapped in the sewer line and, under certain conditions like flushing, the air is released. The air then travels up through the pipe and causes the toilet to burp when flushed as it exits the drain\u2014except in this case, there is no one to politely say excuse me. This burping can also occur when you\u2019re running water at the bathroom sink and air bubbles up in the toilet. Both are signs that it\u2019s time to make a call.<\/p>\n

What Not to Flush or Drop Down the Drain<\/h2>\n

Some plumbing problems around your home are preventable with a little help from you. Simply watching what you flush down the toilet or drop down the drain can make all the difference in preventing an emergency situation.<\/p>\n

In the Bathroom\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

You have probably heard of the damage that can result from sending flushable wipes down the toilet, but in case you haven\u2019t, these little bathroom buddies can wreak havoc on your sewer system. Yes, they say they are \u201cflushable,\u201d but in reality these disposable wipes do not break down quickly enough or completely enough to pass safely through your sewer system. They may also meet up with other substances that have been flushed down the toilet or sent down the sink drain, and together they can be quite a force to reckon with. Just ask the residents of London who have had to send teams of workers into their sewers for days on end to break up these unruly, multi-ton blobs. Yes, multi-ton<\/u>. <\/strong>Think \u201cThe Blob\u201d but way worse than the 1958 version.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, here\u2019s a short list of other items we recommend not flushing:<\/p>\n