Dealing with slow or clogged drains in your home? Not all blockages are the same—some affect only a single fixture, while others indicate a major issue in your main sewer line. Knowing the difference between a secondary drain blockage and a mainline blockage can help you determine the best solution before the problem worsens.
At Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we’ve helped countless Denver homeowners diagnose and resolve their drain and sewer issues. Read on to learn how to identify the type of blockage you have and when it’s time to call in the Denver drain and sewer pros.
Understanding Your Home’s Drainage System
Your home has two types of plumbing drains:
- Main Sewer Line (Mainline): This is the primary pipe that carries all wastewater from your home to the city sewer or a septic system.
- Secondary (Local) Drain Lines: These are the smaller pipes connected to individual fixtures like sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs. They lead wastewater into the mainline.
A clog in either system can disrupt your household, but mainline blockages are much more serious and require immediate attention.
Signs of a Secondary (Local) Drain Blockage
A secondary drain blockage is isolated to a specific fixture. Here’s how to recognize it:
- Only One Drain is Clogged: If your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or bathtub is draining slowly but other fixtures are fine, the blockage is likely in the individual drain pipe.
- Water Backing Up in One Fixture: For example, if only your shower fills up with standing water while other fixtures drain normally, the issue is local.
- No Gurgling or Multiple Fixture Issues: Secondary blockages don’t usually cause unusual noises or affect multiple drains at once.
DIY Troubleshooting: Try using a plunger, a drain snake, or a non-corrosive drain cleaner to clear the blockage. If the problem persists, professional drain cleaning may be needed.
Signs of a Mainline (Sewer) Blockage
A mainline blockage affects multiple fixtures in your home and requires urgent attention. Look for these warning signs:
- Multiple Fixtures are Backed Up: If your toilet, sinks, and shower are all draining slowly or backing up at the same time, your main sewer line is likely clogged.
- Water Backing Up in Unexpected Places: If flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the bathtub or sink, it’s a strong indicator of a mainline issue.
- Gurgling or Bubbling Noises: Air trapped in the pipes due to a blockage can cause loud gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet or use the sink.
- Sewage Smells or Wastewater Backup: A foul odor coming from your drains or raw sewage backing up into your home means immediate action is needed.
What to Do: Stop using your plumbing immediately and call a professional plumber at Bell. Attempting DIY fixes for a mainline blockage can worsen the problem and lead to costly damage!
Common Causes of Drain Blockages
Understanding what causes these clogs can help prevent them in the future:
Common Causes of Secondary Drain Blockages:
- Hair, soap scum, and toothpaste buildup in bathroom drains
- Grease, food scraps, and coffee grounds in kitchen sinks
- Foreign objects accidentally dropped down the drain
Common Causes of Mainline Blockages:
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots grow into sewer pipes seeking moisture, causing major blockages.
- Flushing Non-Flushable Items: Wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products should never be flushed.
- Aging or Collapsed Pipes: Older homes in Denver may have deteriorating sewer lines that are more prone to clogs.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to contact a plumber for professional sewer cleaning in Denver:
- Persistent or worsening drain clogs despite DIY attempts
- Multiple drains backing up at the same time
- Sewer odors, gurgling noises, or wastewater backup
- Slow drainage even after using a plunger or snake
Ignoring these issues can lead to severe plumbing damage and costly sewer line repairs or even a sewer line replacement. The sooner you act, the better!
Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Blockages
To keep your drains and sewer lines in top shape:
- Dispose of Grease Properly – Never pour grease down the drain; instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
- Use Drain Screens – Install mesh drain covers to catch hair, food, and debris.
- Flush Only Toilet Paper – Avoid flushing wipes, hygiene products, and paper towels.
- Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning – Professional drain cleaning can prevent buildup before it causes a clog.
Why Choose Bell for Your Drain & Sewer Needs?
At Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we provide fast, reliable drain and sewer services for Denver homeowners. Our expert plumbers use advanced techniques, including hydro jetting and video camera inspections, to accurately diagnose and clear blockages.
- 24/7 Emergency Service – We’re here when you need us most!
- Experienced, Licensed Plumbers – Our team is highly trained to handle any drain or sewer issue.
- Trusted by Denver Homeowners – We’ve been serving the community for decades with top-rated plumbing services.
Got a Stubborn Clog? Call Bell Today!
If you suspect a mainline blockage or need professional help with a secondary drain clog, don’t wait until the problem gets worse! Call Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for expert drain and sewer services in Denver.
Call or schedule service online now! Let us clear your drains and restore your plumbing system today!