06/11/2026
Before calling anyone, there are a few things I usually tell homeowners in Bakersfield to watch for when they think a sewer backup might be developing.
Pay attention to whether more than one fixture is acting up at the same time. If the shower drains slowly while the toilet bubbles, or the sink backs up when the washing machine runs, that usually points to something happening in the main line.
I also recommend listening to gurgling sounds from drains or toilets. That can happen when air and water can’t move through the sewer line the way they should.
And if you notice sewer smells around drains or outside near the cleanout area, don’t ignore it.
These things don’t always mean a major sewer issue, but they’re usually signs that something should be checked before it turns into a full backup.
I explained more about what I found during a recent sewer backup job here in Bakersfield in this month’s journal.
👉 [https://theplumbingdoctorbakersfield.com/readplumbingjournal/b/new-blog-sewer-backups-a-recent-job-some-homeowner-tips]
– Rick