What are the Most Common Causes of Sewage Backup
Like other systems in your home, you don’t really think about sewer pipes unless they are not working. However, sewage backups don’t just cause unsanitary conditions inside and outside the home, they are also expensive and difficult to repair. Backups occur when obstruction prevents wastewater from properly flowing through your sewer line. The water will continue to fill the drain pipes until, unfortunately, it overflows.
When objects such as clumps of hair, grease, and detergent combine, these items can fill and damage your pipes, causing obstruction. A-1 Service Plumbing in the Apopka and Orlando area offers top-quality plumbing services and information if you are experiencing any issues with your pipes. Our team has provided you with information about the most common causes of sewage backup and how to prevent it in the future.
Tree Roots
Unseen to the eye, some trees and shrubs can work their way into sewer lines, especially if there are cracks in the pipes. These blockages start small, but as the tree grows, so will the roots. Given enough nutrients, the roots can travel a long distance and eventually prevent water from flowing where it should. This is especially the case in older areas where pipes have a tendency to crack and wear down. If you believe your blockage is the result of tree roots, A-1 Service Plumbing can help you identify the source and help you work towards a solution.
Clogs
One of the easiest ways to cause a sewer backup is through clogs. Clogs are simply a blockage in one of your drain pipes. They tend to develop slowly over time with many different materials involved. This can include one or more of the following:
- Hair
- Dental floss
- Non-flushable baby wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hardened grease
- Small toys and other hard plastics
Clogs can even come from an accumulation of solid materials that pipes are simply not meant to handle. There are steps you can take to prevent clogs from forming in the future, including throwing away the items from this list properly instead of down the drain.
Broken Sewer Lines
As stated before, broken or collapsed sewer lines are more prone to blockage since tree roots can easily grow into the cracks. Broken pipes also give way for other materials to enter your system, affecting how water moves through the pipes. Pipes made from lower-quality materials may show signs of aging or leaking, which also makes them prone to backups. If just one pipe has become damaged over time, the others are also in danger of breakage.
It’s unpleasant for homeowners to deal with sewage backup, but this is an issue that can’t be ignored. A-1 Service Plumbing is experienced, licensed, and insured professionals who provide our services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the Apopka and Orlando areas. We can come to your residence and offer you a complete written analysis of your piping system. Contact our team to learn more about taking action against sewage backup in your city.
