Common Sewer Backup Causes & Quick Fixes

Table of Contents

1. Common Sewer Backup Causes
2. Clogs
3. Main Sewer Line Blockage
4. Old pipelines
5. Structural Damage
6. Incorrect Plumbing Connections
7. To Conclude

What can be a common sewer backup cause? A sewer backup is a complex plumbing issue that may arise in a home. The fact is that it is a difficult problem to address and to maintain a household functioning properly. However, preventing sewer backups is essential for protecting the property and the people who reside there.

Common Sewer Backup Causes

More importantly, knowing what to do if a sewer is backed up is critical to minimizing damage and loss. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of this.

Clogs

If you notice that water drains from your sink more slowly than usual, or if you hear gurgling noises once you flush the toilet, this might be the beginning of a backed-up sewer. The formation of clogs occurs over time when something interferes with the free flow of water out of the drainpipe, resulting in damage to the plumbing all through your home. This includes sinks, toilets, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and even sprinkler systems.

It is possible that raw sewage from your septic tank or main sewer lines will back up into your drain pipes and then into your plumbing fixtures if the clog is severe enough. That said, it’s likely that things will get out of hand at some point.

Drain clogs, according to the observations, could be caused by the accumulation of common objects like those listed below:

• Hair
• Hardened grease
• Dental floss
• Hygiene products
• Thick toilet paper and toilet wipes

Considering that sewer pipes have a diameter of approximately six inches, clogging them requires a significant amount of material buildup. Never flush something down the toilet if you’re not sure. Instead, dispose of it in the trash can.

Main Sewer Line Blockage

The mainline sewer blockage occurs in the piping system that is owned and maintained by your municipality, township, or district, among other entities. A clog, similar to that of a household clog, can cause a clog to form. Additionally, if your neighborhood is experiencing rapid growth, it could be caused by a lack of available system capacity. If a community encounters sewer backups as a result of heavy rainfall, this type of problem becomes apparent.

Instead of affecting only one drain, the main sewer blockage would then affect most or all of your plumbing throughout your home at the same time, rather than just one. If possible, turn off the water supplies in your home as well as cover drain apertures with absorbent material to keep the damage to a minimum.

Old pipelines

One of the causes of these sewer backups in older, historic buildings, is out-of-date plumbing systems. For example, if your home has a clay pipe that leads to the sewer main on the outside, these structures could become affected by invasive weeds, shrub twigs, and tree roots.

To prevent this from happening, keep the pipes clean. Natural growths such as these can infiltrate clay pipes over time and eventually cause a blockage. If this happens, pieces of undissolved materials will become lodged in the pipes, resulting in massive sewer backups and flooding.

When using paper towels or “flushable” personal wipes, it is common for them to become snagged in this way. When there are such obstructions, it’s just a matter of time before black water starts to back up into the house and cause flooding.

Structural Damage

Sewer backups can also be caused by pipes that are being cracked or deteriorated on the exterior of the property. It is possible to notice wet and too many muddy patches in your yard if some of the plumbing installed outside your property has this structural damage. Other signs of structural damage include low water pressure, foul odors, and sick or dead foliage. When major problems with septic tanks arise, all these signs will arise in homes with septic tanks.

The only way to be certain that your pipes in outdoor areas are in good condition is to get an expert plumber to conduct a video inspection of the pipes. It’s important to keep in mind that even severe storms could really cause soil settlement, which can have an impact on the condition and functionality of your outside pipes. Because of this, if you notice that your sewer is backing up right after you’ve done a lot of yard work or right after a storm, the most probable reason is damage to the outdoor plumbing structures.

Incorrect Plumbing Connections

Double-check your plumbing system to ensure that there are no illegal plumbing connections in the area. In this case, you’ll need to connect your sump pump to the sewer line. If you have it configured in this manner, it is possible that a sewer backup will occur in your home.

Check to see that all of your plumbing fixtures are properly connected to the main water supply. In that case, if you are looking for a professional plumber to fix this issue, hire a plumber who provides high-quality commercial and residential plumbing maintenance and repair. Moreover, if you have any questions about what is legal in your area, you should consult with your local government.

To Conclude

One of the most effective ways to determine the source of your plumbing problems is to have a professional plumber inspect the situation. Their video inspection of your sewer line will allow them to show you exactly what caused the problem. They can then prescribe the solution that would be the most appropriate, safest, as well as least expensive solution. A permanent solution, rather than a temporary fix, is preferred when it comes to sewers.

For serious plumbing issues, it’s always best to consult with professional plumbing services in your local area. For instance, if you happen to live in Beverly Hills, California, you can hire a plumber in Beverly hills ca address your home’s plumbing issues. Whether you have problems with your pipe, toilet, drain, water heater, or shower plumbing, they can provide reliable service to resolve your issues quickly.

Thank you for reading!