Symptom checker
What is wrong with my drain?
A few taps give you the likely cause in plain words, what to do right now, whose pipe it probably is and the service to ask us for.
Sewage coming up a drain right now? Stop running water and call us at (404) 482-2527. If anyone is in danger or you smell gas, leave and call 911.
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Georgia Sewer · Operated by Alpha Plumbing and Sewer, LLC
The same signs at a glance
What each sign usually points to and the first step, with the advice page that explains it.
| What you notice | What it usually points to | First step | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| One sink, tub or toilet drains slowly; every other drain is fine | A clog in that fixture’s own drain or trap | Try the safe do-it-yourself steps before calling anyone | Unclog a drain yourself |
| Several drains are slow, or the lowest drain in the house backs up first | A blockage in the main drain or sewer line | Stop running water and run through the main-line checklist | Signs of a main line clog |
| Sewage is coming up through a drain | An active sewer backup | Stop using water, keep people and pets away, then follow the steps | What to do when your sewer backs up |
| Drains gurgle or back up mostly during heavy rain | Rainwater getting into the sewer, on your side or the utility’s | Note when it happens and check your downspouts and cleanout cap | Why drains back up when it rains |
| A sewer smell, but nothing is clogged | Often a dry trap, a failed toilet seal or a vent problem | Work through the odor checklist; if it could be gas, leave first | Sewer smell in the house |
| The same clog comes back every few months | Something in the line, such as roots, a sag or a break | Ask for a camera inspection before paying for repeated cleanings | Sewer camera inspections |
| A quote says the whole sewer line has to be replaced | Possibly true, possibly not — the video decides | Get the video and a written finding, then compare repair options | Sewer line repair options |
More: signs of a main line clog · septic or sewer: how to tell · whose pipe is it?
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Call and describe what is happening, where, and since when — the visit starts from there.
Georgia Sewer — Drain & Sewer Specialists · Operated by Alpha Plumbing and Sewer, LLC