What to Do When Your Sewer Line Is Backed Up
Dealing with a backed-up sewer line is a homeowner’s nightmare. Not only can it cause significant damage to their property, but it can also lead to health hazards and unpleasant odors. Understanding why sewer lines back up and knowing how to address and prevent the issue can save homeowners time, stress, and money. This blog post will break down key information households need about sewer line backups, including why these occur and what to do if they do.
Why Does My Sewer Line Keep Backing Up?
If homeowners notice a backup or deal with recurring sewer line backups, it can be due to several problems. Some common causes can include:
- Tree Root Infiltration: Tree roots naturally grow toward water sources, making sewer lines a prime target. Over time, roots can infiltrate pipes, causing blockages and damage.
- Clogs and Blockages: Grease, food particles, sanitary products, and wipes can accumulate in pipes, causing a clogged sewer line.
- Crushed or Broken Pipes: Shifting soil due to natural settling, construction, or heavy machinery can cause pipes to crack, collapse, or misalign, leading to backups.
- Age and Wear and Tear: Older sewer lines, especially those made from clay or cast iron, can deteriorate over time, becoming more prone to damage and backups.
Solutions to a Sewer Line Backup
Calling a plumber is essential after experiencing a backed-up sewer line, as identifying the cause of the sewer line backup is crucial to finding the right solution. How the sewer line will be fixed depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common solutions professionals may use when a backup occurs:
- Sewer Camera Inspection: A small, high-resolution camera is inserted into the sewer line to inspect it and determine the exact problem causing the backup. This non-invasive method allows plumbers to identify blockages, cracks, or collapsed sections precisely.
- Hydro Jetting: For a sewer line clog caused by grease, debris, and more, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear the obstruction and restore normal flow. This method is both effective and environmentally friendly, as it uses water rather than harsh chemicals.
- Trenchless Sewer Repair and Replacement: If the sewer line is cracked or damaged due to tree roots, shifting soil, or age, sewer line repair or replacement will be needed. Depending on the cause and damage, trenchless repair methods, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, may be used. These techniques avoid extensive excavation and minimize disruption to the property.
How Can Sewer Line Backups Be Prevented?
Preventing sewer line backups starts with good habits and the proper maintenance and care of the sewer lines. Homeowners can take the following steps to help avoid backups and the causes of backups:
- Avoid Flushing the Wrong Things: Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet. Items like wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and more can cause sewer line clogs.
- Dispose of Grease and Food Properly: Never pour grease, fats, or oils down the drains. These substances can solidify and create blockages. Putting food scraps and other items down the drains can also cause clogged sewer lines and should be thrown in the garbage instead.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance: Regular plumbing maintenance and inspections by a plumber can catch minor issues before they become major problems. Plumbers can also perform hydro jetting as a preventative measure to keep lines clear.
- Address Clogs Immediately: If homeowners notice slow drains, gurgling noises, or other signs of a sewer line clog, they should call a plumber immediately for drain cleaning. Early intervention can prevent a blockage from escalating into a sewer line backup or leading to other problems.
By following these steps, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of sewer line issues and backups and protect their plumbing systems.
About Schuelke Plumbing & Construction
Schuelke Plumbing & Construction is a local, family-owned company that provides quality plumbing services to San Bernardino County. They provide same-day service and the latest technology. Call them for sewer line repair and replacement services in Beaumont, CA.
