What is a Main Line Clog?

December 5, 2023

Main Line Clog or Septic Backup

a close up of a dirty pipe with a lot of greese in it

A main line clog or septic line backup r efers to a blockage in the main sewer line that connects a home's plumbing system to the septic tank. This can lead to serious plumbing issues and potential damage if not addressed promptly. The main sewer line is a crucial component of a plumbing system, responsible for transporting wastewater away from the building into the septic tank.

Common causes of main line clogs or backups include:

  1. Tree Roots: Tree roots can infiltrate and grow into sewer pipes, causing blockages.
  2. Grease and Fat Buildup: Accumulation of grease, fats, and other debris can narrow the sewer pipe diameter, leading to clogs. (This is a common one)
  3. Foreign Objects: Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet or allowing debris to enter the drains can contribute to clogs.
  4. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes: Older pipes made of materials like clay or cast iron can deteriorate over time, leading to collapses or damage that causes blockages.
  5. Poor Installation: Incorrectly installed pipes or improper slope in the main line can result in drainage problems.


Signs of a main line clog or backup include:


  • Multiple Drain Clogs: If multiple fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers) are clogged simultaneously, it may indicate a main line issue.
  • Gurgling Noises: Unusual gurgling sounds coming from drains can signal a blocked main line.
  • Slow Draining Fixtures: Water draining slowly from multiple fixtures can indicate a partial blockage in the main line.
  • Sewage Backup: The most serious sign is sewage backing up into toilets, sinks, or tubs.


If you suspect a main line clog or sewage is backing up into your home, it's essential to contact Right Time Septic to assess and address the issue. Prompt action is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the proper functioning of the Septic system.aph

At Right Time Septic, we are your source for professional septic repair, installation, pumping, and maintenance service. Contact us today for a FREE estimate.


a congratulations on your new home card with a drawing of a house and a key .

Tips for New Septic Tank Owners

By Right Time Septic • December 10, 2023
Have you just purchased a new home? Learn the do's and don't of being a new home owner with a septic system.
a computer generated image of bacteria on a blue background

THE ROLE OF BACTERIA IN A SEPTIC TANK

By Right Time Septic • October 14, 2023
We serviced a 10 month old home recently for septic service which is way to soon. But upon opening the septic tank we found that the solids was extremly thick and indeed the septic tank needed to be serviced. So we educated the home owner on the benifits of bacteria in the septic tank. Now you may ask what bacteria? Well bacteria are the most dominant and important microbes in a septic system. Other microbes include fungi, protozoa, rotifers, and nematodes. Bacteria are microorganisms, which means they are extremely small, but they are also living things and so they need some form of sustenance. They feed on organic matter in your septic tank. Bacteria are also pH sensitive and they require the pH levels to be maintained between 6 and 7.5. This explains why some household products are not very good for the septic tank. Basically, any product that can cause a pH imbalance in the septic tank should not be allowed to go down the drain. When the conditions are favorable, bacteria can reproduce every 15-20 minutes. Unfortunately, the conditions in the septic tank are rarely that conducive, mainly due to the toxic substances that are used in the home. This often leads to the depletion of the bacteria population, a phenomenon that is responsible for the failure of many septic tank systems.