Common Causes of Sewer Backups and How To Avoid Them

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Clogged sink in a Hillside, IL home

The 3 most Frequently Observed Sewage Problems

Nobody wants to come home to discover that there has been a sewer backup in his or her living space. Unfortunately, this can easily become a reality for many homeowners. Read on to understand the three most frequently observed sewage problems and what you can do to prevent them from taking place in your Hillside, IL, home.

Clogged Drains

More severe clogs usually take place in the main sewer line, while less serious ones tend to affect your drain. To determine whether there’s a clog in one of your drains, look for blockages in the following fixtures:

• Toilet
• Sink
• Shower
• Bathtub
  
  

To stop these fixtures from becoming clogged, be sure to maintain them on a regular basis and use them appropriately. Pouring grease down your kitchen sink drain or overloading your garbage disposal can increase the risk of a sewer backup. Similarly, avoid flushing sanitary napkins and other bulky items down the toilet to keep all drains clear.

Collapsed Sewer Lines

In some cases, broken or collapsed sewer lines can lead to a sewer blockage. This typically takes place in older homes where the sewer lines are made of clay piping or cast iron, which are materials that tend to break down more quickly. If your sewer line has broken down or collapsed, you may want to consider replacing it with one made of plastic or a similarly reliable material to keep further problems from occurring.

Invasive Tree Roots

If your sewer backup isn’t a result of the above causes, you may want to inspect the tree roots on your property. Trees that are located directly above your sewer line can either crush the sewer line completely or extend into your pipes to form holes and clogs. Be sure to control the growth of your tree roots to keep sewer problems at bay.
Whether you have a bathtub backup or flooding, sewage problems can be serious. Call water damage experts immediately to take care of any kind of emergency.