Sewer Backup Causes
Your home’s sewer system carries wastewater from toilets, sinks, and drains to a septic tank or municipal sewer system. Keeping this system functioning smoothly is essential to avoid expensive and health-threatening sewer backups. Sewer backups can be a homeowner’s nightmare, causing significant damage and posing health risks. Understanding the root causes of these issues is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. Here’s a list of everything that causes a sewer to backup:
- Blocked Or Clogged Pipes
- Tree Roots
- Damaged Sewer Pipes
- Heavy Rainfall
- Sewer System’s Age
- Municipal Sewer Issues
1. Blocked Or Clogged Pipes
Blocked pipes are the most frequent cause of sewer backups. Over time, substances like wipes (even if labeled “flushable”), paper towels, diapers, or excessive toilet paper can cause clogs in your sewer line. Grease, oils, and fats poured down kitchen sinks are also significant contributors to blockages. These substances can solidify and coat the inside of pipes, gradually narrowing the passage and obstructing the flow of wastewater. As they accumulate, blockages worsen, causing slow drains, gurgling sounds, and even backflow into your home.
How To Prevent It?
Always dispose of non-degradable materials in the trash, and never pour grease or fat down your kitchen sink. Consider installing drain guards in your sinks to catch debris before it enters your pipes.
2. Tree Roots
Tree roots are a significant cause of sewer pipe clogs, especially in older homes. Tree roots can invade pipes through tiny cracks, joints, or weak spots in the sewer system as they naturally seek out sources of moisture. Once inside, roots grow and expand, further damaging the pipes and creating obstructions that can block wastewater from flowing freely. This issue is particularly common in neighborhoods with mature trees and aging infrastructure, as older pipes may be more vulnerable to cracking and breakage.
How To Prevent It?
If you live in an area with large trees, consider having your sewer line inspected regularly for root intrusion, especially if you notice slow drains or gurgling sounds. If you spot root issues, a professional plumber can use hydro-jetting or root-cutting techniques to clear the roots.
3. Damaged Sewer Pipes
Damaged sewer pipes are often a result of natural wear and tear, shifting ground, freezing temperatures, or external forces like construction work or heavy vehicles. Over time, pipes can corrode or crack, creating blockages that impede wastewater flow. Misaligned pipes, breaks, or complete collapses in the system can lead to severe backups, with waste material flowing back into the home. These issues are more common in older homes with aging infrastructure.
How To Prevent It?
Regular inspections of your sewer system, especially if you have an older home, can catch small cracks or misalignments early. Professional plumbers can perform a sewer camera inspection to assess pipe condition and recommend preventive maintenance.
4. Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm local sewer systems, especially in areas where the sanitary and stormwater systems are combined. During periods of intense rain, excess water flows into the sewer system, causing backups as the pipes can no longer handle the increased volume. Homes with basements or lower plumbing fixtures are particularly vulnerable to sewage backups in these situations. Flooded storm drains can also contribute to the problem, causing water to back up into homes through basement drains or other low-lying fixtures.
How To Prevent It?
Install backflow prevention devices, such as sump pumps and sewer backup valves, to prevent sewage from entering your home during heavy rainfall. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water can properly flow away from your home and the sewer system.
5. Sewer System’s Age
Aging sewer systems are more prone to issues like blockages, pipe collapses, and root infiltration. Many older sewer systems were built with materials like clay or cast iron, which deteriorate over time. Clay pipes are especially vulnerable to cracking and root intrusion, while cast iron pipes can rust and corrode, leading to leaks or breaks. Over time, the entire system may need to be replaced to ensure proper functionality.
How To Prevent It?
If your home is connected to an older sewer system, consider scheduling a professional inspection to check for any signs of wear. If your home uses an older sewer system, particularly one with clay or cast iron pipes, proactive repairs or even a complete replacement may be necessary to avoid future problems.
6. Municipal Sewer Issues
Sometimes, the problem lies beyond your property in the municipal sewer system. Issues like main line blockages, pump station failures, or an overloaded system can lead to widespread sewer backups affecting entire neighborhoods. Heavy rainfall, industrial waste, or construction activities near the municipal system can also strain the capacity of local sewers, causing waste to back up into homes.
How To Prevent It?
Unfortunately, there is little homeowners can do to control municipal sewer system problems. However, it’s a good idea to stay informed about local infrastructure projects or storm warnings. If you experience a sewer backup and suspect it’s due to a municipal issue, contact your local government or utility provider to report the problem and get assistance.
Do You Have A Sewer Backup?
If you notice any of the following signs, you may be dealing with a sewer backup, which requires immediate attention:
- Bad Odors:
One of the most common early indicators of a sewer backup is foul, unpleasant smells coming from your drains. These odors are typically caused by sewage or wastewater that’s not flowing properly, causing stagnant water and waste to accumulate in the pipes. - Slow Drains:
Another red flag is water that drains more slowly than usual in your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets. Slow-moving water often indicates a partial blockage in the sewer line, preventing waste and water from flowing freely through the pipes. - Gurgling Noises:
If you hear strange gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your toilets, sinks, or drains, it may be a sign that air is trapped in the pipes due to a clog in the main sewer line. This can cause the wastewater to struggle to move through the pipes, leading to backups. - Water Backing Up:
Water backing up into your home, particularly from floor drains, bathtubs, or toilets, is a clear warning that something is obstructing the flow of wastewater. This is often the result of a major blockage or break in the sewer system, and it can lead to flooding and damage. - Wet Floor Drains:
Floor drains in lower-lying areas like basements or laundry rooms are often the first to show signs of a sewer backup. If these drains begin to overflow or become noticeably wet, it could indicate that water from the main sewer line is unable to exit your home, forcing wastewater back into your living spaces.
What To Do If You Have A Sewage Backup?
If you experience a sewage backup, it’s important to act quickly and safely to minimize damage to your home and protect your health. Sewage backups can lead to hazardous conditions, so taking immediate steps to manage the situation can prevent further complications. Below are the essential actions you should take if you suspect a sewer backup in your home.
- Shut Off the Main Water Valve:
To prevent additional water from entering the system and worsening the problem, immediately locate and shut off your home’s main water valve. Doing so will halt the flow of water into the affected pipes and help contain the situation. - Turn Off Electrical Power:
Water and electricity pose a serious safety risk when combined. If there is standing water in your home, particularly near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power to the affected areas. If you’re unable to safely reach the electrical panel, contact your local electric company for assistance in shutting off power. - Ventilate the Area:
Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and help alleviate any unpleasant odors while also initiating the drying process. Use fans to improve airflow, but ensure they are positioned away from contaminated water to avoid spreading any potential bacteria or contaminants in the air. - Evacuate and Avoid Contact:
Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that can pose serious health risks. Evacuate the affected areas immediately, and avoid any direct contact with contaminated water or surfaces. If it’s absolutely necessary to enter the area, make sure to wear proper protective gear such as rubber boots, gloves, and a face mask to minimize exposure. - Call TX Hydrojet:
When facing a sewer backup, it’s crucial to call a professional immediately. For residents in the Houston area, we at TX Hydrojet are the best choice for Houston Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Services. Our experienced team can quickly diagnose the issue, perform necessary repairs, and help prevent future problems. Don’t hesitate to contact us for prompt, reliable service to address your sewer backup concerns.
