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Few things are worse than a sewer backup. Slow drains, foul smells, and sewage backing up into your sinks, tubs, or basement cause stress. Whether it’s grease buildup, tree roots, or a deteriorating pipe, knowing what causes backups can help you prevent them before they become a major headache.
Grease and Food Buildup Can Wreak Havoc on Your Pipes
It might not seem dangerous to pour grease down the drain, but it can lead to major sewer problems. When hot grease goes down the sink, it’s in liquid form. But as it cools, it thickens and sticks to the sides of your pipes. It doesn’t take long for that grease to trap bits of food, soap, and other debris, forming a stubborn clog.
At first, you might only notice your sink draining a little slower than usual. But if the buildup continues, the blockage can grow large enough to block your main sewer line. That’s when things get messy because water has nowhere to go but back up into your sinks, bathtubs, or your basement.
The best way to prevent grease-related sewer problems is to avoid pouring any kind of fat, oil, or grease down the drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. Even if you run hot water or use dish soap to break it down, grease can still cling to pipes further down the line, where it eventually hardens.
Tree Roots That Invade Sewer Lines
Tree roots might seem harmless, but they can be one of the biggest threats to your sewer system. Roots naturally seek out moisture, and if there’s even the tiniest crack in your sewer line, they’ll find a way inside. Once they do, they start growing, getting inside the pipe and slowly blocking the flow of wastewater.
At first, you might not notice anything wrong. But over time, tree roots create partial or complete blockages that can lead to slow drains, gurgling noises from your pipes, or sewage backups in your home. The worst part? You won’t know it’s happening until the problem is big enough to cause noticeable damage.
If your home is surrounded by large trees, your sewer lines could be at risk. Regular sewer inspections can help catch root intrusion before it causes a full-blown backup. If roots are already inside your pipes, professional equipment can remove them. Ignoring the problem, though, can lead to serious pipe damage that might require costly sewer line repairs or replacements.
Flushing the Wrong Things Can Cause Major Clogs
The toilet in your home is made to handle human waste and toilet paper. But that doesn’t stop people from flushing all sorts of things, from wipes to paper towels and cotton swabs, down the toilet. Even if a product is labeled “flushable,” that doesn’t mean it’s safe for your plumbing. Many items don’t break down the way toilet paper does and instead of washing away, they get stuck in your sewer line.
Wipes are one of the biggest culprits. Unlike toilet paper, they don’t dissolve quickly, which means they can tangle together and create solid blockages. Feminine hygiene products, diapers, and excessive amounts of regular toilet paper can also lead to serious clogs. Once something gets lodged in the pipes, it can trap more debris, creating a backup that sends wastewater back into your home.
If your toilets are flushing slower than usual or you hear gurgling noises when you flush, you might already have a partial blockage forming. The best way to prevent these problems is to stick to flushing only what your plumbing is designed to handle.
A Collapsed or Broken Sewer Pipe Can Stop Everything
Sometimes, sewer backups aren’t caused by clogs inside your home but are the result of a bigger issue underground. Sewer pipes, especially older ones, can crack, shift, or collapse over time. If a pipe breaks, wastewater can’t flow properly, leading to repeated backups.
Old clay or cast-iron pipes are especially prone to cracking, and shifting soil or heavy traffic above ground can also cause damage. In some cases, corrosion eats away at the pipes, weakening them until they break. Unlike a typical clog, you can’t fix a broken pipe with a plunger or drain cleaner.
If you’ve had frequent backups, slow drains throughout your home, or a lingering sewage smell in your yard, there could be damage underground. The only way to know for sure is to have a professional camera inspection, which can show exactly what’s going on inside the pipe. Depending on the severity, the fix could be anything from a simple repair to a full sewer line replacement.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Can Overwhelm Sewer Systems
Sewer backups don’t always start inside your home. Sometimes, heavy rain or flooding can overwhelm the main sewer system, causing water and sewage to back up into homes. If the city’s sewer lines can’t handle the extra water, that pressure can push waste back through your drains.
Homes with basement drains or lower-level plumbing are especially vulnerable during storms. If the main sewer line is overloaded, water may back up through floor drains, toilets, or sinks. Even if you don’t live in an area prone to flooding, sudden downpours can still create issues if your sewer system isn’t equipped to handle the extra water.
A backflow valve helps keep sewage from going in the wrong way. This device automatically closes if it detects water coming back toward your home, reducing the risk of a backup. If you’ve experienced basement flooding before, it might be worth looking into this extra layer of protection.
Sewer Lines Need Maintenance to Stay Clear
Like any other part of your home, your sewer system needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. Many people don’t think about their sewer lines until something goes wrong, but routine checkups can help prevent expensive and messy backups.
One of the best ways to keep your pipes clear is with professional sewer and routine drain cleaning. High-powered water jetting can break up grease, flush out debris, and remove small tree roots before they cause serious damage. If your home is older or you’ve had issues with slow drains before, scheduling regular inspections can catch small problems before they turn into big ones.
Taking care of your sewer system isn’t just about avoiding backups—it’s also about extending the life of your pipes. Regular cleanings and inspections can help you avoid surprises, saving you money and stress. A little maintenance now can go a long way in preventing bigger problems later.
Contact Us Today
Sewer backups are messy, stressful, and expensive but they don’t have to be. By watching what goes down your drains, scheduling routine inspections, and addressing small issues before they turn into big ones, you can protect your home from major plumbing problems. MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric in Kansas City can help if you’re dealing with slow drains, foul odors, or recurring backups. We also provide services for water heaters, water softeners, and sump pumps.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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