Unless you’re a plumber, it’s easy to confuse main lines and drain lines. Plumbers get these questions all of the time so we thought we’d finally settle this. Keep reading to finally learn the difference of a main line and drain line, including the roles they play in your home.
What is a Main Line?
To put it simply, your main line is your sewer line. It’s a line located underground that carries all wastewater from your home to a municipal connection or septic tank, not just toilet water.
Here is some additional information about your main line.
- In addition to drain line clogs, another big threat to your main line is tree roots. If you know where your main line is located, you can strategically plant trees in areas that won’t damage your main line.
- You’ll want to know where your cleanout is located in case it suffers a clog.
- If you’re experiencing drain clogs at the lowest point in your home, you likely have a main line clog.
- If there’s sewage coming out, there’s most likely a main line clog.
- If you hear gurgling noises in another part of the home when using water, you could have a main line issue.
What is a Drain Line?
Drain lines are lines located inside of your home that are connected to your plumbing fixtures such as your toilets, sinks, and showers. They don’t lead directly to your sewer system or septic tank, but they dump into the main line. When you’re having an issue with one drain line, you can generally still use the plumbing everywhere else in the home because they aren’t connected.
Understanding your Main Line and Your Drain Line
Knowing the difference between your main line and your drain line is important because they’re two entirely different things with different fixes and costs.Generally, a main line clog is going to require a professional plumber and involves more steps.
Sewer Line Cleaning Experts
Great, now you’re just a bit more educated on your plumbing terminology than you were before reading this article! Ever consider a plumbing career? 😉
Anyway, if you’re experiencing any issues with your drains or main line, let D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling help. We have the experience and knowledge to fix your plumbing quickly and are available for plumbing emergencies!