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Common Sewer Backup Causes & Quick Fixes
A se1wer backup can be a major hassle for homeowners and can cause serious damage to their property. There are many different factors that can lead to a sewer backup, and it is important to understand these causes to prevent future incidents. In this article, we will explore the most common sewer backup causes and the fixes that can help you prevent them.
Most common sewer backup causes
1. Clogged Drains
One of the most common causes of sewer backups is clogged drains. Over time, drains in your home can become clogged with hair, soap residue, grease, food, and other debris. In addition to causing slow drainage, these substances can eventually create a blockage that backs up the sewer system. To prevent this, it is important to properly dispose of trash and avoid flushing non-degradable items down the toilet.
The best way to prevent clogged drains is to clean them regularly with a mixture of hot water and vinegar or baking soda. You can also use drain screens to catch larger debris before it enters the drain.
2. Tree Roots
Tree roots can also cause sewer backups, especially if they grow into the sewer line. The tree roots are attracted to water sources, and can easily penetrate sewer lines through small cracks or joints. Once inside the line, the roots can grow and cause a complete blockage.
To prevent tree root infiltration, it is important to avoid planting trees near your sewer line. If you already have trees planted nearby, it is important to regularly inspect your sewer line for signs of infiltration. You can also install a root barrier around your sewer line to prevent roots from growing into it.
Find out more about how you can get rid of the roots in your sewer line.
3. Aging Sewer Lines
Over time, sewer lines can deteriorate and crack, allowing debris and tree roots to enter the line. This can cause a blockage and prevent sewage from flowing properly. If your home is older, having your sewer line inspected and repaired regularly is important to prevent issues.
If your sewer line is damaged, it may need to be replaced. This is a major expense, but it is necessary to prevent future backups and property damage.
4. Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall can also cause sewer backups, especially in areas with combined sewer systems. Combined sewer systems carry both rainwater and sewage, and during heavy rain events, the system can become overwhelmed with an influx of water.
To prevent sewer backups during heavy rainfall, it is important to properly maintain your drainage system. This includes regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts, as well as ensuring that your yard is properly graded to direct water away from your home.
5. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Flushing non-flushable items down the toilet is another common cause of sewer backups. Items such as baby wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products are not designed to be flushed and can easily cause a blockage.
To prevent sewer backups, it is important to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Keep a separate trash can in your bathroom for non-flushable items.
Find out more about the best toilet paper for your septic tank.
6. Malfunctioning Pump
If your home has a sewage pump that is not working properly, it can cause sewage backups. A malfunctioning pump can cause sewage to backup and overflow into your home.
To prevent sewer backups, regularly inspect your sewage pump and have it serviced by a professional if you notice any issues. A backup battery can also be installed as a backup in case of power outages.
7. Municipal Sewer System Issues
Sometimes, sewer backups are caused by issues with the municipal sewer system. This can include issues like clogged or damaged sewer lines, heavy rainfall overwhelming the system, or sewage treatment plant malfunctions.
To prevent sewer backups, contact your local government authority to report the issue and find out if there are any ongoing problems with the municipal sewer system.
Sewer backup causes – conclusion
Sewer backups can be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged drains, tree roots, aging sewer lines, heavy rainfall, flushing non-flushable items, malfunctioning pumps and municipal sewer system issues.
The best way to prevent sewer backups is to properly maintain your drainage system and avoid disposing of non-degradable items down your drains and toilets. If you experience a sewer backup, it is important to contact a professional plumber to assess the damage and provide necessary repairs.
Call Lifetime Plumbing for professional help. Lifetime Plumbing has a professional plumbing team that provides very professional plumbing services. If you’re looking to hire a professional plumber in Chicago, our team is here for you. Our service area includes Northshore, Northside Chicago and surrounding areas.
With our highly trained and experienced plumbing team, state-of-the-art equipment and commitment to quality service, we are confident we can provide you with the sewer line repair or replacement you need to keep your property running smoothly.
In addition to these services, our skilled and licensed plumbers can also assist with emergency plumbing, commercial plumbing, residential plumbing, water heater installation and repair, water leak repair, and faucet installation and repair.
