Is Your Sewer Backed Up? These Are the Main Causes of Sewer Line Issues

Homeowners rely heavily on sewer lines to keep their plumbing systems working at peak performance. If your sewer line is backed up, it’s not only a frustrating hassle but can also lead to worsening plumbing issues.

It may be hard to determine what’s causing your sewer line problem, so below, we’ve explained a few of the most common issues we see.

Common Sewer Line Issues

There are, unfortunately, many external forces that can pose issues for your sewer line. When a problem arises, it’s crucial to address it so it can be diagnosed and solved ASAP. Some of the most common sewer line issues include:

Sewer Line Wear & Tear

Your sewer line will inevitably experience wear and tear. This can be seen in the form of cracks and broken pipes, rust and corrosion, or misaligned pipes. These issues can directly lead to a clog, resulting in backed-up drains.

Tree Root Infiltration

Tree roots can extend naturally and grow right into the direction of your sewer line, penetrating through small cracks or holes. The water from your sewer line is full of nutrients that increase the root’s growth, resulting in a clog that may require a large repair.

Improperly Flushed Items

Foreign objects are a main cause of sewer line issues. When an item not meant to be flushed doesn’t fully dissolve, it can get stuck in your pipes, leading to a clog that could have been avoided.

Things like feminine hygiene products, cat litter, hair, dental floss, etc., are good examples of what not to flush down your toilet, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with such items to prevent a sewer line backup.

Pests

Pests such as rats, mice, and cockroaches breed in sewers, and they can often access your pipes through cracks. Their presence can cause blockages throughout your sewer line and leave you with clogged drains (and a pest issue that must be addressed ASAP!).

Oil Deposits

Oil, fat, and grease deposits can build up over time and result in clogs, so it’s good to avoid dumping such items down your drains.

Consider HomeWorks for top-notch sewer line repair! Call (651) 237-2698 today or schedule online with us.