sewer smell

Drain Clogs That Signal a Bigger Plumbing Problem

August 09, 20252 min read

⚠️ Drain Clogs That Signal a Bigger Plumbing Problem

It’s easy to ignore a slow drain or blame a backup on hair or food buildup. But some drain clogs in Bakersfield homes are warning signs of serious plumbing issues that need fast attention.

Here’s how to tell when your clogged drain is something bigger.

sewer clog

🚨 1. Multiple Drains Backing Up at Once

If your shower, tub, toilet, and sink all start draining slow — or worse, backing up at the same time — the issue is likely in the main sewer line, not just one pipe.

This is especially common in older homes in areas like Kern City or Laurelglen, where tree roots or collapsed pipes are more common.

shower backing up

🛁 2. Water Rising in One Fixture When Using Another

- Toilet flushes, and water bubbles up in the shower

- Kitchen sink drains, and the bathroom sink gurgles

This is a classic sign of a blockage deep in the drain system. Your home’s plumbing is all connected — when one path is blocked, water finds the next available exit.

smells from outdoors

👃 3. Foul Odors from Drains or the Yard

If you smell sewage indoors or outdoors — even with no obvious clog — your system could have:

- A damaged vent

- A leaky pipe

- Or a broken sewer line

The smell of sewer gas is dangerous and often accompanies a deeper issue.

🌳 4. Backups Keep Coming Back

If you’ve used store-bought drain cleaner or even snaked the line yourself — but the clog keeps returning — the root cause probably isn’t solved.

In many cases, we find:

- Grease or sludge buildup

- Misaligned pipes

- Roots growing in from nearby trees (common in Silver Creek and River Lakes Ranch)

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🔍 What to Do Next

At A3 Plumbing, we don’t guess. We use:

- 🧪 Sewer Camera Inspections

- 💦 Hydro-Jetting

- 🛠 Sewer Repair only when needed

We’ll confirm whether it’s a local clog or something more serious — and fix it the right way.

📍 We’ve Solved Complex Clogs Across Bakersfield

Including:

- Kern City

- Laurelglen

- Silver Creek

- River Lakes Ranch

📞 Don’t Let a Simple Clog Become a Costly Emergency

If you suspect the issue goes beyond a slow drain, get it inspected now.

📱 661-215-6521

🗓️ Schedule Drain Service

a3 plumbing

A3 Plumbing – Trusted by Bakersfield Homeowners for Honest Drain Diagnosis

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