One of the most important things that you should do in the event of a main sewer line backup is to clear out catch basins. When heavy rains occur, make sure that you remove any debris that could clog the drain. This will allow the water to flow freely. In severe cases, a sewer line backup could cause extensive damage to your home and property. To avoid having a costly backup, you should try to fix the problem yourself before calling a plumber. It may be possible to fix minor problems without a professional visit.
Tree roots
There are many ways to identify trees that are damaging a main sewer line. Tree roots are particularly troublesome because they spread unpredictably and can invade a sewer line. In many cases, tree roots are caused by the presence of water in the soil around a sewer line. You can take preventative measures to prevent this problem by planting trees that are friendly to sewers. In addition, a plumber can perform a video inspection of the sewer line to determine whether it’s susceptible to damage or deterioration. If it is, a plumber will determine whether it needs to be replaced.
One of the most obvious causes of a main sewer line backup is tree roots. Once you’ve spotted a problem, call a plumber as soon as possible. It won’t take long for the tree roots to clog your line and cause a backup. In some cases, a plumber may use a mechanical auger to cut the tree roots. Other times, he’ll simply run water through the sewer pipe to flush out the roots. While this method may prevent a back-up in the short term, it will not prevent the roots from growing back.
Clogged pipes
Clogged pipes can happen for several reasons. If one drain in your house is clogged, you could have a bigger problem. But if more than one drain is experiencing a backup, you may be dealing with a clog in the main sewer line. In this case, you’ll need to call a plumber to do a sewer camera inspection. Clogged pipes are costly to fix.
First, a solid physical obstruction in a drain may cause a clog in the main sewer line. This obstruction may be a small toy or a toothbrush. The object needs to make its way to the main sewer line safely before causing a backup. Once it’s there, it can take days or even weeks before you’ll notice a problem. So if your sewer line is clogged, you’ll need to get in touch with a professional plumber for a thorough inspection and repair.
Combined sewer lines
Several factors can contribute to a main sewer line back up, including a clogged drain, debris, or root intrusion. Food waste, grease, and coffee grounds can all clog the pipe connecting a building to the main sewer. Tree roots can also penetrate the pipe and create an impenetrable obstruction. To avoid a sewer backup, keep these things in mind.
Combined sewer lines can become corroded or cracked over time. While sewer pipelines are constructed to handle low volumes of wastewater, environmental factors and flooding events can cause them to break down and need repair. If you notice that your sewer lines are aging faster than normal, contact a plumber immediately. Tree roots are the most common cause of a main sewer line backup, and they can infest any space where wastewater flows.
Keeping children away from the toilet
While there are many other reasons for a main sewer line back-up, one of the biggest causes is the use of too much toilet paper. Paper products don’t decompose quickly and can lodge in sewer laterals, causing a sewage backup. Therefore, it is important to keep paper products out of the toilet. Also, never flush feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or “flushable” wipes.
In addition to overusing your toilet, flushing the wrong items can also cause a sewer line back-up. Tree roots can bore their way into sewer pipes. These roots can break down the lines. Professional plumbers can assess the situation and determine whether a section of pipe replacement will fix the problem or if you need a full main sewer line replacement.
Regular maintenance
One of the most common causes of sewer line backups is tree roots. Tree roots grow rapidly and may find their way into the main sewer line. Once inside, these roots continue to grow, causing a backup. Because a sewer line is often quite old, this can lead to a blockage. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to prevent a sewer line backup and avoid a major headache.
Sewage backups are dangerous for you and your family. The wastewater that runs through sewer pipes contains contaminants and vapors that can cause respiratory issues. These particles and vapors can be inhaled by people in close proximity to the sewage system and can cause a number of other problems. In some cases, tree roots may even be present on private property, which means the water and sewage from a backup can be contaminated by the roots.
Using drains properly
A backed up sewer line is an emergency situation, but it doesn’t have to be. Prevention is always better than cure, and knowing what causes a backed up main sewer line can help you take preventative measures, implement quick fixes, and know when to call a plumber. If you hear gurgling or smelling sewer in the bathroom, you should call a plumbing professional for assistance. Slow draining sinks and toilets are also signs of a backed up main sewer line.
To prevent a sewage backup, you can pour a cup of vinegar, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and hot water down the drain. Wait for a few minutes, then flush with more boiling water. Repeat as often as necessary, until you are certain the pipe is clear. This method is not suitable for very large pipes or clogged drains. However, it will prevent a sewage backup from worsening, so you should be careful and wear protective gear.