Common Main Drain Problems and Solutions
- Drain sluggish or backed up
- Two or more drains backed up
- Odors or gurgling from drains
- Basement floor drain backed up
- All drains sluggish or backed up
Drain sluggish or backed up
| Possible Cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Trap or branch drain clogged at fixures | Clear trap or drain at fixtures: sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers |
Two or more drains backed up
| Possible Cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Drainage system blocked below fixtures | Unblock main drain from main cleanout Have soil stack unblocked from roof vent |
Odors or gurgling from drains
| Possible Cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Vent blocked | Have soil stack unblocked from roof vent |
| Septic tank full | Have septic system serviced professionally |
Basement floor drain backed up
| Possible Cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Main drain blocked | Unblock main drain from main cleanout |
| House trap or sewer blocked | Call for service |
All drains sluggish or backed up
| Possible Cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Main drain blocked | Unblock main drain from main cleanout |
| Sewer line blocked | Call for service |
| Leak in sewer line | Call for service |
| Septic tank full | Have septic system serviced professionally |
| Main drain or sewer have insufficient slope | Call for service |