Sewer backups are everyone’s biggest fear. Imagine the stink, the mess, and the possible health risks. Sadly, these unpleasant incidents happen more often than you expect. Sewage backups can destroy your house, disturb your everyday life, and require costly repairs. Here is a list of the top causes of sewage backups to help you avoid this terrible suffering. Discover some helpful ways to prevent it for the safety of your house.
Tree Roots
These harmless underground creatures may cause havoc in your sewer network. Tree roots are always looking for water and nutrients. And because the sewage line has a steady flow of organic materials, it becomes a target. Over time, roots can invade microscopic fractures in the pipe, gradually getting larger and causing clogs. As they expand, they can damage the pipe and create more serious complications.
Protect your pipes by arranging sewer line inspections to detect sneaky root invasions. Consider building a root barrier to provide a protective cover for your sewer. If you’re planting new trees, ensure they have enough area to grow away from your pipes. A simple prevention can go a long way in keeping your sewer system functioning optimally.
Clogs and Build-Up
Your sewage system is like a highway for waste. When items pile along this route, they can create blockages, resulting in congestion. The most common reasons for these obstructions are:
- Grease: This material can coat pipes, attracting more dirt and causing tough jams.
- Hair, food scraps, and other items: These things can accumulate and impede wastewater flow.
- Improper flushing: Flushing anything other than toilet paper might result in blockages. Wipes, feminine hygiene products, and cotton swabs do not break down quickly in sewage systems.
You must monitor what flows down your drains. Remember to flush toilet paper and human waste only. Use shower coverings and sink strainers to keep dirt out of your drains. Furthermore, schedule a sewage cleanup to detect and remove any hidden blockages before they cause more serious problems.
Aging Sewer Systems
Many residences are connected to outdated sewage systems. Pipes composed of clay, cast iron, or older PVC can degrade, break, or collapse. These compromised pipes are more prone to clogs, blockages, and root incursion. Furthermore, earth moving due to factors such as heavy rainfall or temperature changes can add strain on older systems, and that increases the chance of backups.
To solve this problem, invest in better, more lasting pipe materials as replacements. Remember that regular inspections and maintenance are very important.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Heavy rains and flooding are known to cause sewer blockages. When downpours flood the ground, the water entering the sewage system increases. This surge overloads the system, causing backups that send sewage to the surface through drains, toilets, and floor drains.
To regulate water flow during heavy rain, start by clearing gutters from your property.
Address drainage issues like clogged or broken drains and consider installing backflow protection valves to avoid sewage backups. If your property is prone to flooding, a sump pump can help remove the extra water.
Structural Breakdown
Pipes can wear out over time, resulting in cracks, fractures, and even collapses. These structural problems cause leaks in the system, allowing sewage to escape and back into your home. Ground movement, heavy equipment activity, and even the age of the pipes can all contribute to these issues.
Regular inspections are vital for preventing structural damage-related backups. If you suspect a problem with your sewage line, call a professional plumber to inspect the situation and offer repairs or replacements.
Sewage backups are a nightmare that no homeowner wants to face. Understanding the common reasons and following preventive actions can lower the chance of this unpleasant event. Remember, a little preventive may go a long way toward keeping your sewer system healthy and your house happy.
Avoid the Stress and Expense of a Sewage Backup
Never let a sewage backup toss your place upside down. Flood Restoration Pros is your partner in prevention. Our team can evaluate your plumbing system, detect issues, and perform professional sewage cleanup to protect your home. With our experience, you can be sure that your home is safe from the damage of a sewage backup. Trust Flood Restoration Pros with your plumbing problems and experience peace of mind.
