A sewer back-up is one of the most unpleasant and potentially damaging plumbing issues a homeowner can face. From foul odours to water damage, a back-up can cause serious problems that require costly repairs. Understanding the common causes of sewer back-ups and how to prevent them is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient plumbing system. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Tree Root Intrusions
Tree roots are one of the leading causes of sewer back-ups. Roots naturally seek out water and nutrients, and they can infiltrate sewer lines through tiny cracks or joints. Once inside, the roots can grow, causing blockages and even breaking through the pipes. This can lead to slow drainage or complete back-ups.
Prevention Tip: Regular sewer inspections using a camera can detect root growth before it causes severe damage. If roots are found, professional plumbers can use augering or hydro-jetting techniques to clear the lines. In extreme cases, pipe repair or replacement may be necessary.
2. Flushing Improper Items
Sewer systems are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—anything else should not be flushed down the toilet. Items like wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine hygiene products, diapers, and paper towels don’t break down easily and can cause significant blockages in your sewer line.
Prevention Tip: Educate everyone in your household on what should and shouldn’t be flushed. Keep a waste bin in the bathroom for items that can’t go down the toilet. For added protection, consider installing a drain strainer to catch debris before it goes into the pipes.
3. Grease Build-Up
Pouring grease, oils, or fat down your drains may seem harmless, but these substances solidify as they cool, leading to blockages in your pipes. Over time, grease build-up can restrict the flow of water and cause back-ups in your kitchen drains and sewer line.
Prevention Tip: Avoid pouring any grease or oil down your sinks. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in a container in the trash. Regular drain cleaning services can also help remove any residual grease that may have accumulated in your pipes.
4. Heavy Rain or Flooding
During periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, municipal sewer systems can become overwhelmed by the excess water, causing water to back up into your home’s drains. Homes with older sewer systems are particularly vulnerable to this issue.
Prevention Tip: Installing a backwater valve can help prevent water from flowing back into your home during severe weather. Additionally, regular inspections of your home’s drainage system can help identify potential issues before they cause back-ups.
5. Collapsed or Broken Pipes
Over time, pipes can deteriorate due to age, shifting soil, or ground movement, leading to cracks, collapses, or misalignments in the sewer line. These structural issues can cause blockages, slow drainage, or complete sewer back-ups.
Prevention Tip: Regular inspections are key to detecting pipe damage before it leads to a full collapse. If a pipe is damaged, trenchless repair options like pipe relining can restore the integrity of your sewer system without the need for extensive digging.
How to Prevent Sewer Back-Ups
While some causes of sewer back-ups, like heavy rain, are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Schedule routine maintenance and inspections with a professional plumber to identify and address any potential issues before they cause a back-up.
- Install a backwater valve to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home during periods of heavy rain.
- Avoid flushing inappropriate items and dispose of grease properly to prevent unnecessary blockages.
At Waterworks Plumbing & Heating, we offer comprehensive sewer maintenance and repair services to help keep your system in top shape. From clearing blockages to inspecting for potential problems, we’ve got you covered.
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