As a home or business owner, sewer line backups are one of the most unpleasant plumbing crises you ever have to deal with. The stench of septic waste alone can already be unbearable. But to make things worse, you’ll also be exposed to serious health risks like infections and respiratory problems. On top of that, the cost of your much-needed sewer line repair isn’t a bargain.
When sewer backups happen, you need to respond ASAP to minimize the inconveniences and damage to your home or business. One way to do that is to understand the common causes of a sewer line backup and the solutions fit for each one.
Here are what often causes this sewer line problem and the ways to solve it.
Clogs
If you ask a plumber what is the most important benefit of addressing a clog early on, they’ll likely mention the prevention of bigger pipe problems like a burst pipe or a sewer backup. Clogs are perhaps the most common plumbing problem that any home experiences, and they’re also the culprit to a sewer backup if left unaddressed for too long.
As you may be aware, clogs are a product of foreign materials blocking your pipes. Whether it’s hair buildup, soap scum, food particles, or tissue papers, they’re all going to end up as disruptive blockages in your system.
To resolve this, you can take a shot at DIY unclogging methods like a plunger, drain snake, or vinegar and baking soda solution. But, if the clogs appear to be deeper and tougher, calling in a plumbing company would be the best solution.
Tree Root Infestation
As calming and refreshing as they are, greenery around your home doesn’t always provide value to your property, especially if we’re talking about shrubs or trees growing near your sewer system.
Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture. When they find their way into your compromised sewer pipes, they can eventually infiltrate the insides and create a permanent blockage, causing the wastewater to return to your home.
If you’re in the later stages of tree root infestation, your remaining option is to call for a professional sewer line repair. Your local plumber will either use power tools to break apart the roots or go for a pipe replacement if the case is more severe. Tree root infestation is one of the most expensive plumbing repairs, so while it’s early, clear your ground from invasive trees.
Improper Pipe Slope
Sewer lines must be installed at a specific slope to guarantee that gravity helps waste and water flow freely through the pipes. If the pipe slope is too shallow, waste can accumulate in the pipe, leading to clogs and backups.
If you suspect that your sewer lines were installed improperly or have shifted over time, you may need to have the pipes re-sloped by a pro. This will involve digging up your lawn to adjust the angle of your pipes, or in some cases, a pipe section replacement may be necessary.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rainfall and flooding can overwhelm your sewer system, causing water to overflow into your home. If you have an older sewer system, you likely have combined sewers, a system which handles both wastewater and rainwater. This setup is often unable to handle large quantities of water which is why backups happen during a storm.
Your solution? Install a backflow valve or sump pump that will prevent excess water from returning to your home during heavy rains. A backflow valve prevents wastewater from flowing in reverse, while a sump pump diverts floodwaters away from your basement or lower floors. If you already have these systems at home, regular maintenance or a pre-flood inspection will ensure they function as they should.
Compromised Municipal Sewer
In some cases, sewer line backups are not caused by your own plumbing, but by the issue with the municipal sewer system. If the city’s sewer lines are damaged or blocked, sewer backups can happen in multiple households.
You’ll be alerted to this issue if you hear multiple complaints from your neighborhood about the same sewer problem or if you experience a backup repeatedly. Your best response here is to contact your local sewer authority. They may send out a team to inspect the lines and handle repairs. While you wait, avoid using water-heavy appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers, as this can only worsen your sewer backup crisis.
Stubborn Sewer Backups? Call Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services
A stubborn sewer backup can be more than just an inconvenience—it can cause major damage to your home. Whether it’s a clog, tree roots, or an aging pipe, leaving it unresolved can lead to costly repairs.
At Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services, we provide fast, reliable solutions to get your plumbing flowing smoothly again. Our team is equipped to tackle even the toughest sewer problems so you can avoid more serious issues down the line.
Don’t wait until the problem gets worse—call us today and let us handle your sewer backup with care and efficiency!