If your business has a public restroom, you may have been told that one of the toilets is either stopped up or refusing to flush. However, when you go in to investigate, you may discover that the problem encompasses more than just one fixture. When trying to diagnose the problem, look for the following signs that the culprit is a clogged main sewer line for the restroom.

More Than One Toilet Will Not Flush

One sign that the main sewer line which runs from the restroom is clogged up is the inability to flush more than one toilet properly. When two or more toilets overflow or are slow after flushing, this usually means that sewage is backing up from the main line, causing a widespread problem.

Since the plumbing to multiple toilets in a public restroom is designed to handle the flushing of more than one toilet at a time, you can test their ability to flush by either going down the line and flushing each one yourself or having someone flush one at the same moment you flush another.

If they all back up and overflow, the issue is probably the main sewer line. There is probably a blockage somewhere that will need to be cleaned out by a professional.

Sewage Comes Up From Sink Drains

The main sewage line for your public restroom does not only serve the toilets, but it also takes away gray water from the sinks. If the toilets are affected, the sinks are most likely stopped up as well. One way this problem presents itself is when sewage water comes up through the sinks' drains when the toilets are flushed.

While you are running your test from the previous section to test the toilets, have another employee stand where they can see the sinks. However, let them know to stand as far back as possible to avoid overspray if something does come up.

As you flush the toilets, ask them if they see any foul water coming up through the drains. If so, you have a serious clog in the sewer line.

If you find any of the signs above when inspecting your company's public restroom, you more than likely have a clogged sewer line that will need professional attention. Contact a commercial plumbing contractor to set up an appointment for them to come out and inspect the sewer line so they can find the problem and fix it as soon as possible.

Share