What the main sewer line does
Every drain in your home, from the kitchen sink to the basement floor drain, eventually feeds into one main line that carries wastewater out to the municipal sewer. When that line is blocked, the effects show up throughout the house.
Signs to watch for
- Several fixtures draining slowly at the same time
- Water coming up from the basement floor drain
- Flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the tub or shower
- Gurgling sounds from drains when other fixtures are used
- A sewer smell that doesn't go away after cleaning individual drains
- Backups that happen when the washing machine drains
Why the lowest drain shows it first
Water finds the lowest point. When the main line is blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go and rises at the lowest opening, which is often the basement floor drain or a basement shower.
What to do
If you notice these signs, reduce water use in the home to avoid making a backup worse. Avoid running the dishwasher or washing machine, and limit flushing.
Then call a drainage service to have the line looked at. Clearing a main line blockage early can help prevent a more serious backup.