Sometimes it’s not even about clogs, just weird pressure changes from rain or old pipes flexing.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen a lot of folks chalk it up to “just pressure” and miss a slow-developing blockage. Had a job last winter—customer swore it was just the old cast iron pipes shifting after a freeze. Turned out a wad of paper towels was wedged right at the bend, letting water trickle by until it finally sealed up tight. Sometimes those “weird” symptoms are the only warning you get before a full backup. I always say, better to scope the line and be sure than assume it’s just the weather messing with things.
Sometimes those “weird” symptoms are the only warning you get before a full backup.
Ain’t that the truth. I once had a tenant swear up and down it was just “old house noises” when the basement started gurgling. Next thing you know, I’m ankle-deep in mystery soup. Never did find out what got flushed, but it sure wasn’t rainwater. Curious—has anyone here actually found something weird causing a backup? I’ve pulled out everything from action figures to a whole potato...
I hear you on the “old house noises”—it’s always tempting to brush off weird sounds, but I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring them is just asking for trouble. Last year, my floor drain started bubbling and I thought it was just air in the pipes. Turned out a wad of those so-called “flushable” wipes had made a dam down there. Never trust packaging, I guess. Honestly, I’d rather overreact than end up with a basement full of... well, you know. Prevention beats cleanup every single time.
Those “flushable” wipes are the bane of my existence—should be called “plumber’s retirement fund” wipes. You’re right, ignoring weird noises is just asking for a mess. Ever tried one of those backflow preventer valves? They’re not perfect, but they’ve saved me from a couple of close calls. Curious if you’ve checked your main line for tree roots or anything else sneaky? Sometimes it’s not even what you flush... it’s what’s growing outside.
Those wipes are a nightmare, no doubt. I’ve lost count of how many times folks swear they only use “flushable” ones, then I’m snaking out a wad the size of a small animal. Marketing on those things should come with a warning label.
A few quick thoughts based on what you’re describing:
- Backflow preventer valves are a solid move, but you’re right—they’re not a cure-all. They’ll help with city sewer backups, but if your own line’s clogged, you’re still in for a mess.
- Tree roots are a classic culprit, especially if your house is older or you’ve got big trees anywhere near the line. Roots love tiny cracks in old clay or cast iron pipes. They sneak in, expand, and before you know it, you’re dealing with slow drains or worse.
- I always tell folks: if you’re getting backups after rain, odds are good it’s roots or a sagging pipe (belly) letting water pool and debris build up.
- If you haven’t already, camera inspection is worth every penny. You’ll see exactly what’s going on—roots, wipes, grease, or even a broken section.
- On that note, grease is another sneaky one. Even if you’re careful, it builds up over time and catches everything else passing by.
Had a job once where a guy swore he never flushed anything odd—turns out his neighbor’s roots had busted through and were catching stuff from three houses upstream. Sometimes it’s not even your fault.
Ignoring weird noises is tempting, but yeah, it’s usually the warning bell before the flood. If you hear gurgling or see slow draining, that’s the time to act—not after your socks are wet.
One last thing—if you’ve got an older house and it keeps happening, sometimes it’s just time for a full line replacement. Pricey, but beats dealing with backups every year.
Hope you get it sorted before it gets ugly.
