An obstruction in the main sewer line is likely to be your most severe plumbing issue. When a sewer drain becomes clogged, wastewater has nowhere to go, and your plumbing system will stop working. Problems with the plumbing are frightening enough without the added aspect of human waste, so homeowners should resolve this kind of plumbing issue ASAP.
Fortunately, avoiding many potentially catastrophic plumbing issues is not that difficult. Septic system backups can be avoided with a few simple precautions, from DIY cleaning to regular maintenance from your plumbing contractor.
Read on to learn about the most common causes of sewer line clogs.
Tree Roots in Sewer Line
Trees require water to grow. If they can’t get enough water, for instance, during a drought, they’ll look for it wherever they can find it, even in your sewer line. Roots can get into your sewer drain pipe through tiny cracks or pipe fittings and cause problems over time.
Even if you don’t have a lot of trees in your yard, you shouldn’t think you’re safe. Roots can go a long way. In fact, the roots from your neighbor’s trees could have been the cause of your sewage backup! The best way to keep tree roots from damaging your home is to have inspections and clean your sewer and drains regularly.
Improper Garbage Disposal
Improper garbage disposal is the main reason why sewage backs up happen most of the time. People try to flush all kinds of stuff that don’t belong in a toilet, which is terrible. You name it: paper towels, grease, a dead goldfish. The problem is that your pipes start to get clogged when you flush things down the toilet that they can’t handle.
If you only see one fixture getting clogged, the problem is probably only in one set of pipes. It’s good to hear! If sewage backs up in fixtures all over your house or near your sewer cleanout, the blockage is in your main sewer line. That’s a big problem, and you’ll need help from a professional to fix it. Watch what you flush to avoid getting these kinds of clogs in the first place. Don’t pour hot grease down drains, and be careful when you use your garbage disposal.
A Damaged Sewer Line
Your sewer line won’t last forever, just like everything else. Depending on how old your house is, the weight of the earth above it may have broken your sewer line or be made of old materials. Or both at the same time. Most sewer lines are made of heavy-duty, long-lasting plastic these days, but that wasn’t always the case.
Most old homes have pipes made of cast iron or clay. Over time, these materials may break down and wear out until they break or fall apart. When your drainage system breaks, the sewage it handles has nowhere to go, so it starts to accumulate until it backs up. If you are concerned about your sewer system, you should immediately call the best plumbing company in your region.