In the plumbing world, not all clogs are created equal. While a slow-draining kitchen sink is an annoyance, a main sewer line backup is a full-blown emergency that can send raw sewage back into your 951 home. Knowing the difference between a minor plumbing repair and a major system failure is critical for your family’s health and safety.

At Davis Plumbing, we want to help you spot the red flags of a sewer emergency before it causes permanent damage.

Signs of a Main Line Sewer Backup

Unlike a standard clog that only affects one fixture, a main line issue impacts your entire home’s septic system design. Watch for these three signs:

  • Multiple Clogged Drains: If your toilet is gurgling while you run the bathroom sink, or if water backs up into the shower when you flush, the blockage is in the main line.
  • The “Floor Drain” Warning: In many Riverside County homes, the lowest point of the plumbing is a floor drain in the laundry room or garage. If you see water or sewage bubbling up here, stop using all water immediately.
  • Foul Odors: If a strong “sewer gas” smell is wafting from multiple drains throughout the house, it often means the line is blocked and pushing gases back into your living space.

What Causes Sewer Backups in the 951?

In our area, the most common culprits are:

  • Tree Root Intrusion: Roots from large trees can grow into pipe joints, creating a “web” that catches debris.
  • Pipe Collapse: Older homes with orangeburg or clay pipes can suffer from structural failure over time.
  • Heavy Grease Buildup: Pouring fats down the drain leads to “fatbergs” that eventually seal the pipe shut, requiring professional hydro-jetting.

Immediate Action Steps

If you suspect a main line backup, shut off your main water valve and stop flushing toilets or running appliances. This prevents more water from adding to the overflow while you wait for a septic tank inspection or emergency repair.

Emergency Sewer Service in Riverside County

A sewer backup isn’t a DIY job. Davis Plumbing uses advanced camera technology to see inside your pipes and locate the exact cause of the backup. We provide fast, professional solutions to get your life back to normal.

Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 for immediate sewer and septic assistance.