Written by: Emily Joswiak • December 8, 2022• Home

Common Causes of Sewer Backups in Your Home

A sewer backup can stem from many different causes. To help avoid sewer backups in your home, learn about the common causes in this article.

A sewer backup can be a huge headache for any homeowner. Not only is the sight and smell of raw sewage incredibly unpleasant, but a sewer backup can also cause extensive damage to your home and belongings.

But what causes these backups in the first place? Let’s look at some of the most common causes of sewer backups in your home so that you can avoid them.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer backups. When tree roots sense moisture from nearby sewage pipes, they will grow toward them in search of nutrients. And if left unchecked, those roots can eventually clog up your pipes and cause a serious backup. To reduce your risk of tree-related backups, regularly trim any trees or shrubs near your home’s plumbing system.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects—such as sanitary wipes, paper towels, dental floss, and toys—can all easily get stuck in piping and cause a blockage over time. While many items are labeled as flushable or septic-safe, not all can break down properly once they reach your septic tank or municipal water treatment plant. To prevent foreign object backups, never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet—even if it says it’s safe!

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains occur when too much hair or debris accumulates inside a drainpipe over time. This buildup narrows the pipe, leading to slow drainage or even complete blockage from backed-up sewage water entering other nearby drains. To prevent clogged drains, use strainers on every drain in your home, and be sure to clean them out regularly so that no debris is left behind.

Sewer backups in your home can be an absolute nightmare as a homeowner. By understanding the signs you should replace your sewer lines, you can help avoid these issues before they arise.

From tree roots to foreign objects to clogged drains, plenty of potential culprits could lead to backed-up sewers inside your home. With proper maintenance and attention to your plumbing system, you can keep yourself safe from any nasty surprises!

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Last modified: December 8, 2022