Sewer Backup Causes and How to Fix Them

Listed below are some of the most common causes of sewer backups: Tree roots, Clay tile drains, Foundation shifts, and Makeup pads. You may also encounter these problems if you have a slow-running drain. To prevent a sewer backup, be sure to address these problems before they cause significant damage to your home. Read on to discover how you can deal with common sewer backup causes. We’ll also go over what to look for and what to do if you suspect a clog in your home.

Tree roots

Tree roots can be a serious problem for your home’s plumbing and septic system. When they grow into sewer lines, they develop root fibers that trap solids. When these fibers catch solid masses flowing through your pipes, they block the flow of water. As a result, your sewage system can experience backups. If you’ve experienced a sewer backup caused by tree roots, don’t hesitate to call a plumber for help.

While trees are a beautiful and natural touch to your home, they come with a hidden risk. Tree roots are extremely destructive, as they can clog your pipes and cause sewer backups. The most common way for these roots to enter your pipes is through cracked or defective lateral pipes that run from your home to the city sewer main. Tree roots are often unseen, so they go undetected until they become a hazard and cause sewer backups.

If you have a tree or shrub in your yard, be sure to trim it regularly to prevent it from encroaching on your sewer line. Another common cause of sewer backups is improper disposal of trash and kitchen grease. If your kitchen smells like spoiled milk or rotten eggs, you probably have a tree root problem. The best solution is to cut off the tree roots before they grow too large and cause major blockages.

Clay tile drains

A clay tile drain is a common cause of a sewer backup. Overtime, clay tiles can deteriorate and become brittle. Then, the soil from tree roots can enter the pipe, causing a backup. A better alternative is polyvinyl chloride piping, which is resistant to tree roots. However, this type of pipe does require excavation and breaking up the basement floor. If you have an older home with clay tiles, consider a replacement.

Old clay pipe is one of the leading causes of sewer backups. If the pipe is more than a century old, it may be clogged with tree roots. This can damage the drain and make it impossible for water to flow freely through it. Tree roots can also wrap around the pipe, causing it to break. To determine the condition of an old clay tile drain, consider having a camera inspection performed. Make sure the video is time-stamped and notes the distance of any possible obstructions from the home.

A clay pipe has a long history, dating back as far as civilisation itself. The first recorded urban plumbing system was created in Babylonia around 4000 BC. While PVC plastic has since replaced clay as the main sewer pipe material, clay pipes are still widely used for sewer drain lines in many homes. Despite this, you should not rely on your old clay pipes to handle the daily grind. To avoid a sewer backup, it is important to inspect your sewer drain lines to detect and correct the problem.

Foundation shifts

A foundation shift is another common cause of sewer backups. These shifts can happen for several reasons. Some shifts occur over a period of time, while others are due to a malfunction of the plumbing system. Foundation problems can be difficult to diagnose without an expert. If you notice cracks or shifts in your home, call a professional immediately.

Sewage back-up can also be caused by bad weather. Installing backwater valves in your home will help prevent sewer backups. These valves will stop water from coming back into your home during periods of severe flooding. Moreover, if you live in an area prone to floods, make a flood plan. Another common cause is an illegal connection to your sewer system. This is common with dryers and washing machines.

If you notice cracks in your foundation, you may have a sewer backup problem. Tree roots grow in a sewer line, and over time, they will grow and expand. If they are allowed to grow, this can lead to foundation damage and pest infestation. Sewage backups can also occur if your neighbors have large tree roots in their yards. If this happens, they will eventually encroach on your sewer line. You should call a professional immediately, since they can be potentially dangerous if left untreated.

Makeup pads

Makeup pads, brushes, and other absorbent products should never be flushed down the toilet. When they become wet, these products expand and clog the pipes. Besides being embarrassing, they also pose a health risk. To prevent sewer backups, make sure you do not flush these products down the toilet. Also, do not flush any feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, or condoms. They can clog the pipes and cause expensive damage to property.

Cotton-absorbent materials

Toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and tampons can all cause sewer line clogs. The absorbent nature of these materials causes them to become too thick for plumbing, and cotton expands easily. While minor occurrences may not pose a problem right away, they can add up over time and cause a clog, preventing sewage from draining properly and causing a backflow.

If you notice that your sink drains slowly, or your toilet gurgles frequently, you may have a problem with a clogged drain. These problems can create an unpleasant mess, as well as damage your home and cause health risks. However, the good news is that you can usually prevent sewer backups yourself. Here are some quick fixes that you can use in the meantime. Using a strainer in your sink or a plunger to clear the clog can be an easy way to avoid a major problem.

Another way to prevent sewer backup is to eliminate sanitary products that contain cotton. Cotton-absorbent materials are prone to blockage and can cause expensive sewer repairs. Also, don’t use paper towels or other absorbent materials that can be washed down the drain. Paper towels and other absorbent materials aren’t designed to break down in water, so you might end up flushing them down the toilet, resulting in blockages and home plumbing issues.

Soil shifts

Soil shifts can damage underground pipes, uproot tree roots, and cause clogs. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your sewer line checked. The cause of the problem may be something as simple as soil shifting. Sewer line leaks can be a nuisance and even a health hazard.

In addition to soil shifts, other common sewer backup causes include foundation and beam shifts. Oftentimes, these factors are unpredictable and may be the cause of a sewer line break. Therefore, homeowners must be extra vigilant when looking for these signs. However, once they do see a break, they should call a plumber immediately.

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer backups. They find an area of water to feed their roots and overgrow, clogging the pipes. Tree roots can even break the sewer line. The water in clogged drains can cause bubbles. Fortunately, you can prevent sewer line backups by paying attention to these signs and fixing them as soon as possible. However, there are still ways to make your sewer line more secure.