When more than one drain in your home backs up, it’s often a sign of a serious plumbing issue. Unlike a single clogged sink or shower, multiple clogged drains indicate a deeper problem within your sewer system.
Understand what causes these clogs, why they shouldn’t be ignored, and how professional rooter services from Express Septic and Drain Cleaning can help. Our expert plumbing team is ready to assist and provide effective rooter services for clogged drains.
Why Are Multiple Drains Clogging at the Same Time?
A single clogged drain usually stems from a localized buildup — such as grease or hair in your sink — and is easy to resolve. When multiple drains in different areas of your home clog at the same time, the problem is likely deeper in your plumbing system.
Minor sink or tub clogs generally only need plunging or snaking. In comparison, widespread clogs suggest an underlying problem with the drainage system. System-wide problems are more complex, usually requiring professional drain cleaning and repair to restore proper function and prevent further complications or damage.
Common causes of multiple clogs
As the connection between your household drains and the municipal sewer or septic tank, a main sewer line blockage is the most common source of multiple clogged drains. Several potential problems can affect the main line, causing system-wide drainage issues and multiple clogs in your home. These include:
- Broken or burst sewer line: Older plumbing systems with clay or cast iron pipes are more prone to cracks, bursts, and collapse, especially when subjected to shifting soil.
- Sewer line root intrusion: Underground sewer pipes are an appealing source for trees seeking out moisture. Roots may penetrate small cracks and block aging pipes.
- Debris obstruction: Larger and non-flushable items can partially block a pipe and eventually cause a full clog.
- Grease buildup: Cooking grease, soap residue, food particles, and other debris gradually coats the interior of pipes, narrowing the pathway and increasing the likelihood of blockages and recurring clogs.
- Heavy rain or flooding: Excessive rain or flooding can overload sewer systems, resulting in excess water backing up through residential drainage lines and into your home.
Why Ignoring Multiple Drain Clogs Can Be Costly
Slow drains are inconvenient and may lead to serious consequences if unaddressed. Delaying drain and sewer repairs for multiple clogs increases the risk of health hazards, property damage, and repair costs. For example, a minor obstruction may develop into a pipe collapse, requiring excavation or sewer line replacement.
Backups also allow sewage and water to seep into the floors, walls, and foundation. These leaks may eventually cause rotting wood and other problems that weaken your home’s structural support. Standing water in drains and sewer backups hosts mold, bacteria, and sewage. Exposure to these contaminants poses health risks, including respiratory issues and infections.
How Rooter Services Solve Multiple Drain Clogs
Professional rooter services for clogged drains are an effective way to clear stubborn obstructions and restore proper flow to your plumbing system.
Rooter services use these specialized tools:
- Camera inspections: Plumbers use high-resolution cameras to inspect the inside of pipes for blockages, cracks, and other problems, allowing for accurate diagnosis and solutions without digging.
- Augers: Also known as drain snakes, augers are flexible cables that travel through pipes and break apart clogs.
- Rooter machines: Rooter machines are motorized augers for drain cleaning, often reserved for deeper or more severe clogs.
- Hydro jetting services: This method uses high-pressure water streams to target and scrub away pipe buildup, effectively clearing blockages, grease buildup, mineral deposits, and tree roots.
Step-by-step process of professional rooter services
Here’s what you can expect from a professional rooter service:
- Step one: A technician feeds an inspection camera into your sewer line to pinpoint the cause and location of the blockage.
- Step two: Depending on the severity, location, and type of clog, the technician may use augering or hydro jetting to unclog the line. If the pipe is damaged, they may also recommend trenchless sewer repair or excavation and replacement.
- Step three: The plumber removes the blockage using the selected method and performs necessary repairs, restoring function to your drains.
After clearing the blockage, your technician inspects the system to ensure proper drainage. They also provide preventative maintenance recommendations to minimize the risk of recurring drainage system problems.
When Should You Call a Professional Rooter Service?
Waiting too long to address a drainage problem can result in severe consequences, and knowing when to call a professional rooter service helps protect your home and plumbing system.
Warning signs you need immediate drain cleaning
Look for these warning signs that your home is at risk of damage from clogs and backups:
- Gurgling noises in pipes after flushing or draining.
- Sewage odors from multiple drains.
- Water backing up in tubs, sinks, or toilets.
- Standing water or slow drainage in multiple locations.
If you notice these signs, contact the skilled plumbers at Express Septic. We offer flexible financing options to help homeowners access the rooter services they need. We also provide special offers and discounts for various drain cleaning and septic services.
DIY fixes vs. professional rooter services
While DIY solutions may work for minor clogs, they often fail to address deeper problems. Plungers, baking soda, and drain snakes may clear small blockages, but these are only temporary measures if the main sewer line has underlying issues. Non-professional chemical drain cleaners can also corrode and damage pipes, weakening them and increasing the risk of cracks and breaks.
Professional rooter services provide targeted and efficient clog solutions. For most homes, annual drain cleaning helps prevent buildup and catch early signs of blockages. Rooter services also help maintain the overall health and longevity of your sewer system by keeping pipes clean and in good condition.
Preventing Future Drain and Sewer Clogs
Regular maintenance is an effective strategy against multiple clogs and other drain problems. Try these practices to support your plumbing system’s reliability and longevity:
- Schedule annual drain inspections with a licensed rooter company.
- Use enzyme-based drain cleaners instead of harsh chemicals.
- Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items.
How tree roots affect sewer lines and how to prevent it
Tree roots can invade sewer lines and restrict flow. Installing root barriers is an effective preventative measure to protect your pipes from root intrusion. If roots have already infiltrated your sewer lines, schedule rooter services before blockages escalate.
Don’t Ignore Multiple Drain Clogs — Schedule Rooter Services With Express Septic
If you notice slow drainage, multiple backed-up sinks, or sewage odors in your home, schedule drain cleaning services with Express Septic to resolve problems promptly and avoid further plumbing headaches. Rooter services for clogged drains provide a lasting solution to deep plumbing problems, preventing costly repairs and water damage. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection.
