How a main line backup happens
Every drain in the house joins a main line that leaves the house and becomes the sewer lateral, the private pipe running out to the city sewer. When that pipe is blocked, wastewater from every fixture has nowhere to go and comes up at the lowest opening, which in a slab house is often a shower or tub drain.
In La Habra, many laterals in older neighborhoods are clay or cast iron. Clay joints can let tree roots in, and cast iron can corrode and scale until the opening narrows. Grease, wipes and paper products then catch on the roots or rough spots. A busy day at home, like a holiday with guests, often pushes a partly blocked line over the edge.
Is it the main line or one drain?
- IfOnly one sink or tub is slow and nothing else is affectedThenProbably a branch clog. Stop using that fixture and arrange a regular drain cleaning.
- IfFlushing a toilet makes water rise in the tub or showerThenLikely a main line blockage. Stop using all water and call a licensed plumber.
- IfWater comes out of a floor drain or a cleanout outsideThenMain line or lateral. Treat it as urgent.
- IfNeighbors report the same problem at the same timeThenIt may be the city sewer main. Call the city's public works or sewer number and let them check.
What to do right now
- Stop all water use.No flushing, showering, laundry or dishwasher. Tell everyone in the house, since every drop you send down comes back up.
- Find the cleanout.Many homes have a capped pipe outside near the foundation or in the front yard. A plumber will usually clear the line from there. Do not open it yourself if the line is full; sewage can spray out.
- Protect what you can.Move belongings away from the backup and close the bathroom door. Do not use bleach and ammonia products together.
- Call for the line to be cleared.A licensed plumber can clear the blockage with a drain machine and often check it with a camera so you know what caused it.
Clearing versus finding the cause
Clearing the line
- Cable or jetting opens the blockage
- Gets the house working again quickly
- Does not show whether the pipe is broken or full of roots
Camera inspection
- Shows roots, cracks, sags or offset joints
- Helps decide between maintenance and repair
- Recording can be kept for later quotes
What to ask after the line is cleared
- What did you find: roots, grease, a broken section or a belly in the pipe?
- Can I see the camera footage, and can you send me a copy?
- Is the problem on my lateral or at the connection to the city sewer?
- Would repair, lining or replacement need a city permit? (Check with the city.)
Common questions
Can I use a chemical drain cleaner on a main line backup?
No. Chemicals rarely reach a main line blockage, can damage older pipes and make the water dangerous for whoever clears the line.
Who is responsible for the sewer lateral?
The property owner is usually responsible for the private lateral. Where that ends and the city's responsibility begins varies, so check with the city.
Will it happen again?
If roots or a damaged section caused it, possibly. A camera inspection helps you decide whether regular cleaning or a repair makes more sense.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.