Why Is There Sewage Coming Out of Shower Drains in My Home in Euclid, OH?

When you flush the toilet, you expect everything to disappear down the drain. You definitely don’t want to see sewage coming out of shower drains. 

Yet when there’s a sewer line problem, that’s exactly what can happen. In most cases, it’s a blockage somewhere in the line that causes water and waste to back up, and when it does, you have a plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Whenever you notice sewage coming out of any drain, you need help from professional plumbers in Euclid, OH, to find and fix the problem. Contact us today.

Don't Ignore a Sewage Backup 

If you’re like many homeowners in the Euclid area, your sewer line is mostly out of sight, out of mind — that is until something goes wrong. 

Every drain in your home, including the sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets, connects to the sewer line that carries waste to municipal sewer lines and local treatment facilities. This means that a sewer line problem can affect every drain in your home. Because waste cannot get through a clog in the main pipe, it backs up into one or more drains, whereas a single shower drain clog will only cause water to back up in that one location. 

Another major difference between a clog that leads to sewage coming out of shower drains and a simple shower drain clog is the contents of the backup. Quite simply, you don’t want sewage to enter your home, as it’s an extreme health hazard, full of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can make your family extremely ill. Finding and clearing the clog and addressing any hazardous waste immediately is a priority.

The Most Common Reasons for Sewer Line Clogs 

As mentioned, the most likely reason for sewage coming out of shower drains in your Euclid, OH, home is a sewer line clog and not a bathroom drain issue. A broken sewer pipe can also force waste back up into drain lines.

Clogs can form for multiple reasons. The most likely culprits include:

• Inappropriate items flushed down the toilet, including “flushable” wipes, diapers, hygiene products, paper towels, and cat litter
• Foreign objects 
• Hair that catches on other objects and forms clumps 
• Grease and oil accumulation 
• Tree roots that infiltrate the pipes 
• Rodents 

The only way to know for sure what is causing the clog and its location is via a professional video inspection. Sometimes, the problem isn’t within the pipes at all but within the vent pipe that connects to your plumbing system to allow sewer gasses to escape. Sometimes, leaves, twigs, or pests can clog this pipe, which is most likely on the roof, and prevent the sewer line from draining properly. 

Other Signs That Your Euclid Sewer Line Needs Professional Attention 

Although a sewage backup into a shower is a surefire sign of plumbing issues that require attention, there are likely to be other signs of trouble brewing before it reaches that point. Some of the most common indicators of a sewer line problem include:

• Slow drains, especially on the lower levels of your home
• Frequent clogs 
• Clogs in multiple drains 
• Gurgling noises coming from the drain; for example, a gurgling or bubbling sound from the shower or sink when you flush the toilet 
• Wastewater coming from drains when you flush the toilet or do laundry 
• Wastewater drain overflow near the sewer cleanout outside your home 

You might also notice changes to your yard that indicate a problem with the sewer line. A broken pipe will allow wastewater to leak into the soil, for example, which can create wet or soggy areas in the yard and cause the grass to look unusually green in that area. Even if you don’t have a clog, this is a definite sign that your plumbing requires repairs.

How Euclid Plumbers Fix Sewer Line Problems 

When you notice sewage coming out of shower drains, the first thing to do is call an Euclid plumber for help. Turn off the main water supply in your home to stop any additional water from entering the pipes and worsening the backup. If you know where the sewer clean-out is, removing the cap may help release pressure and allow water to drain out, but this is only a temporary solution.

When you call the plumber, they will conduct a video inspection of the pipes to locate the blockage and determine the best way to proceed. In most cases, clearing the obstruction requires using either a heavy-duty drain snake and auger to break up the clog or hydro jetting the lines, which uses a high-pressure water jet to destroy the blockage. 

Don’t Try to DIY Sewer Problems 

Plumbing and sewer lines are complex, and attempting to clear clogs on your own can cause more damage. While you might be able to clear a clog in the toilet or a drain that’s close to the surface using a plumber, a sewer line issue is too deep for a plumber to be effective.

Calling a professional ensures total removal of the blockage without damaging your pipes. They can also determine whether your plumbing needs additional repairs to stop the issue from happening again and keep your family safe and healthy.

Get Help From Euclid’s Most Experienced Plumbers 

The experienced plumbers of Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. understand the dangers of raw sewage under houses and the concern that sewage coming out of shower drains can cause, and are standing by to help. The sooner you address drain problems, the less likely it is that you’ll experience a significant backup and the health hazards and damage it can cause. 

At the first sign of trouble in your Euclid, OH, home, call us at 805-600-2330 to have one of our licensed professional plumbers find the source of the problem and the best solution. Don’t risk your family’s well-being with a messy sewer backup. We’re here to help keep everything flowing smoothly and stop sewage from coming from the drains.

Author Bio:

Matt Formica

He worked side by side with his cousin, Frank D. and sister Linda, in the office. The company has grown and now has six vans helping the surrounding communities with plumbing and sewer issues.