If your sewer keeps backing up, it can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. This can lead to unpleasant odors, sewer overflows, and costly repairs. Whether it is an issue with your main sewer line, clogged pipes, or damaged drains, understanding the causes and solutions to a clogged sewer can help you fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Common Causes of Sewer Backup
One of the most common causes of sewer backup is tree roots. Roots from trees and shrubs can easily find their way into pipes and cause blockages. Sewer lines that are made of clay or concrete are especially prone to root intrusion as the joints in these kinds of pipes can be vulnerable to cracking that is caused by shifting soil conditions. Even a small crack can allow enough room for roots to enter the pipe and start growing, creating even bigger cracks.
Another common cause of sewer backup is grease, oil, and fats that have been poured down the drain. These substances can easily accumulate over time, forming a blockage in the pipes. To avoid this issue, it is important to ensure that no greasy items are flushed down toilets or poured down drains. This includes skin or hair products that contain large amounts of avocado, coconut, or argon oils.
Additionally, certain objects can get stuck in a sewer line and cause blockages. Sanitary items such as diapers, wipes, and period products should never be flushed down a toilet as they are not designed to dissolve in water. Hair, jewelry, toys, or other small objects can also create blockages if flushed or dropped accidentally.
Furthermore, some older houses have pipes that have not been updated or replaced in over 50 years. This means that the material of the pipes is more prone to cracking and deteriorating, leading to blockages and sewer backups.
Effects of a Backed-up Sewer
A backed-up sewer can lead to serious consequences that can cause damage to your home and health. Sewage is filled with bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can be hazardous when exposed to humans or animals. If a sewage backup occurs in the home, it could create an environment where infections are more likely to spread.
Additionally, depending on where the blockage is, it could lead to property damage such as flooded basements or even structural damage from the pressure of the backed-up sewage. These repairs can be very costly and time-consuming to fix, so it’s important to address any issue with your sewer line as soon as possible to minimize the risk of further damage.
A backed-up sewer can create a very unpleasant smell that could linger for days. Not only is this incredibly unpleasant, but it can be unhealthy to live in an environment where sewage odors are present, as some sewer gases are toxic.
Last but not least, an overflowing toilet or drain can also lead to water damage and mold growth, which can be incredibly harmful to the health of those living in the home and can damage your furniture, walls, floors, and more.
How to Fix Sewer Backup
If you are faced with a sewer backup, it is important to act quickly. To begin with, you should stop using all water in your house until the issue has been resolved. This can prevent any additional sewage from entering into your home and causing further damage.
The next step is to call Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas to come and assess the issue. A plumber will be able to identify the source of the blockage and recommend the best course of action. Fixing backed-up sewers involves a few methods, including snaking out the line, hydro-jetting the pipes to remove all debris, installing trenchless pipe lining to repair the damaged pipes, or simply replacing old pipes.
Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing a Backed-Up Sewer
When dealing with a sewer backup, it is important to be aware of a few mistakes that should be avoided. First and foremost, do not attempt to fix the issue yourself. Sewer lines can be dangerous and require specialized tools and knowledge to repair properly. Plumbing professionals are trained to handle such issues, so it is best to call our professional plumbers rather than try to tackle the problem on your own.
Secondly, try not to use chemical drain cleaners as they can do more harm than good. These chemicals are incredibly corrosive and can damage already fragile pipes, which could lead to further blockages.
How to Prevent a Sewer Backup
There are some measures you can take to prevent a sewer backup. Firstly, it’s important not to flush anything down the toilet that is not designed to dissolve in water, such as hygiene products or diapers. Secondly, ensure that your pipes are regularly inspected and cleared of any clogs or blockages.
Additionally, if you have trees near your home, ensure that roots are not growing into your pipes. Always be aware of what you pour down the drain. Grease and oil can quickly accumulate in pipes, so ensure that it is regularly disposed of properly.
If you are living in an older home, consider having your pipes replaced with more modern materials. Advancements in plumbing technology can save you money on your water bill and increase your property’s value.
Having a professional plumbing service inspect your sewer lines yearly can help to catch any issues that may arise. By taking the right steps to prevent a sewer backup, you can be sure that your home will not be affected by these annoying and potentially hazardous issues. With the right knowledge and approach, you can ensure that your pipes remain in good condition for many years.
When You Should Consider Replacing Your Sewer Line
If your sewer keeps backing up, it may be time to consider replacing the entire sewer line. This is typically needed when a pipe is severely damaged or corroded and cannot be repaired. It is highly recommended to consult professional plumbers for advice if you think your sewer line needs to be replaced. Another factor to consider is the age of your pipes. If they are over 30 years old, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace them rather than risking further blockages and repairs.
Replacing a sewer line is an extensive process that requires specialized tools and knowledge. As such, it is best to contact Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas if you think your sewer line needs replacing. We can work with you to solve any sewer line issues that you’re having and recommend upgrades when needed.
Anytime you have questions about the state of your plumbing system, it’s a good idea to contact the friendly, knowledgeable professionals at Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas. We can help all of our neighbors in the Nanaimo, BC area with more than just plumbing problems too; we also provide heating and cooling installation, service, and maintenance, ductless mini-split installations, heat pump installation, gas furnaces installation, boiler installation services, and indoor air quality audits and solutions. Contact Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas today to discover more about us and the types of service we provide.
