Why is There Sewage Coming Up Through the Bathtub?

When you hop in your bathtub, you want to come out feeling clean and fresh. You don’t want to see raw sewage waiting for you. Raw sewage can back up when the tub is empty, leaving you with a mess on your hands. It can also back up and puddle around your feet as you take a shower or bath. A local plumber in Fort Worth, TX, can help you see why this happens and what you can do with help from plumbers near me.

What Is Raw Sewage?

Homes in Fort Worth, Texas have multiple pipes that connect to the main sewer line. Both your tub and toilet push debris into the sewer line along with any sink pipes. Sewage is essentially wastewater. It consists of water and any debris that usually goes to the sewer. While toilet paper can break down, you may also see some small pieces of paper in the sewage that backs into your tub. It can be dangerous to your health and indicate a serious sewer problem, which is why you need a plumbing company to come and assist you.

Clogged Sewer Line

The most common reason why you see sewage in your tub is that you have a clogged sewer line. We received calls from locals before and found toys stuck in the line. They didn’t even know their kids flushed them until we uncovered the problem. A buildup of other things used in and around your sink can also clog the line. This includes soap, body wash, and shaving cream. Hair can also clog the line to the point where you see sewage in your tub. We also recommend using caution in your kitchen. Your garbage disposal can’t take care of all food particles. Those particles combined with grease and other fats can easily form a clog that only a search for a “plumbing service near me” can fix.

Other Signs of a Clog

Before you see sewage in your bathtub, you may see some other signs of a clogged sewer line. A slow drain is just one of the more common signs. The drains closest to the line will show problems first. Pay attention to the slow floor and tub drains. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for sewage around other drains and outlets. We found that many clogged sewer lines also produce a foul odor that worsens as the clog grows.

Can You Use Drain Cleaners?

As most stores sell drain cleaners, you probably assume they’re safe to use. Most drain cleaners are quite toxic and can do more harm than good. They may affect your breathing, especially if you already have breathing troubles. Drain cleaners also do a lot of damage to pipes. Galvanized pipes and other old types are more susceptible to this damage. The chemicals can even eat through the pipes, which will require that you replace them faster than you expected. You also risk burning yourself if the cleaner comes into contact with your skin. Plumbing repairs are a must when dealing with a severely clogged drain or line.

Why You Need Help ASAP

Industry experts know how tempting it is to put off a repair for later. You need to fix the problem as quickly as possible to avoid expensive plumbing repairs in the future. Once you have a clogged sewer line, it will not go away on its own. As you keep using your sinks and other pipes, you only add to the clog. All of the debris inside can corrode the pipe and even cause it to leak. Once the leak starts, you risk the pipe bursting, which will lead to even more repairs and expenses.

Take the Necessary Steps

There are a few steps you can take once you see sewage in your tub. You may want to turn off the water to your tub and give the tub a thorough cleaning before you call for help. We have plumbing snakes, which are a good alternative to drain cleaners. They go deep into the drain, find the source of the clog, and either break it up or remove it. If you have a clogged sewer line and need a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, call Rockwater Plumbing for 24/7 assistance.