A sewer backup is one of the most serious plumbing issues a homeowner can face. Not only can it cause extensive damage to your property, but it also poses significant health risks due to exposure to raw sewage. The wastewater that should flow smoothly through your home’s plumbing system may back up into your toilets, sinks, and drains, potentially wreaking havoc. Understanding the common causes of sewer backups and taking preventative measures can help avoid this dangerous and expensive problem. In this guide, we’ll cover the six most common causes of sewer backups and what you can do to prevent them.
What Are Sewer and Main Sewer Lines?
To understand how a sewer backup happens, it’s helpful to know what the sewer lines are and how they work. Every time you flush your toilet or wash something down your sink, the wastewater travels through the pipes of your home’s plumbing system to the main sewer line.
The main sewer line, typically located outside your home or in the lowest part of your home like a basement or garage, carries wastewater from your home to a municipal sewer system or a septic tank. This line connects your property to the larger sewage treatment infrastructure, which processes the wastewater before returning it to the environment.
If something goes wrong with this system, like a blockage in the sewer line, water will back up into your home. This is why it’s crucial to understand what can cause sewer backups and how you can prevent them.
Signs of a Sewer Backup
You’ll likely notice signs of a sewer backup well before it becomes a full-blown emergency. Common signs that your sewer line may be clogged include:
- Bad Odor: A strong sewage smell is the most obvious sign. If you notice this smell in your home, you may have a sewer backup.
- Slow Draining: If water drains slowly from your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets, this could indicate a partial blockage in your sewer line.
- Gurgling Sounds: Gurgling sounds coming from toilets or drains could be a sign of air trying to escape through a blockage in the sewer line.
- Water Backing Up: Water coming back up from the shower, tub, or sink drains, especially when you flush the toilet, is a clear indicator of a clog in your sewer line.
- Wet Floor Drains: If the floor drain in your laundry room or basement is wet or overflowing, this could be an early sign of a sewer backup.
- Changes in Your Yard: Oddly wet patches, sinkholes, or areas where water is pooling may suggest a blockage or break in the main sewer line.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional plumber right away. Prompt attention can prevent further damage and expensive repairs.
The 6 Common Causes of Sewer Backups
Sewer backups are often caused by one or more of the following issues:
1. Blocked or Clogged Pipes
Clogs can form in any part of your plumbing system, including the main sewer line. Grease, soap, hair, and food debris can build up in your drains over time and restrict the flow of wastewater. If the clog is in your main sewer line, it can cause sewage to back up into multiple drains and toilets throughout your home.
Clogs can also result from flushing inappropriate materials, like paper towels, baby wipes, or sanitary products, which don’t break down in water and can easily block your pipes.
How to Fix It: A professional plumber can perform a drain cleaning or use specialized tools to clear out blockages from the main sewer line. Regularly cleaning your drains can help prevent buildup and keep the sewer line clear.
2. Tree Roots
Tree roots are one of the most common culprits behind sewer line blockages. As trees grow, their roots naturally seek out moisture. If your sewer line has even the smallest crack or gap, roots can infiltrate the line and create a blockage. In some cases, tree roots can completely block or collapse the sewer line.
This is especially a concern in older homes that still use clay piping. These pipes are more susceptible to cracking and may allow tree roots to penetrate.
How to Fix It: If you suspect tree roots are in your sewer line, it’s essential to call a professional plumber who can perform a sewer line inspection. They may use a camera to inspect the pipes, followed by a process called hydro-jetting or root cutting to remove the roots. In some cases, the affected pipe may need to be replaced.
3. Damaged Sewer Pipes
A damaged sewer pipe can lead to a major backup. Pipes can become cracked, broken, or even collapse for several reasons, including shifting soil, earthquakes, or natural wear and tear. When a pipe is damaged, wastewater can’t flow properly, leading to clogs, blockages, and backups.
How to Fix It: A professional plumber will first identify the source of the damage through a thorough inspection. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs might involve relining the pipe or replacing it entirely with newer, more durable materials like PVC.
4. Heavy Rainfall
Public sewer systems can usually handle a significant amount of water. However, during heavy rainstorms or floods, the system can become overwhelmed. Excess water can flow back into your home through the main sewer line, causing a backup. In some cases, this is a temporary issue that resolves once the rainfall subsides, but it can still lead to significant water damage in your home if not addressed quickly.
How to Fix It: If heavy rainfall is causing backups, you may need to install a backflow valve or sump pump to prevent water from flowing back into your home. A plumber can assess your system to determine the best solution.
5. Aging Sewer Systems
Older sewer systems are prone to problems like cracks, breaks, and collapses. Many homes built before the 1970s have older sewer lines made of materials like clay or cast iron, which are more prone to degradation. Even homes with modern PVC pipes can experience issues as they age.
How to Fix It: If your home has an older sewer system, it’s important to schedule regular inspections to catch issues early. In some cases, replacing old pipes with newer, more durable materials may be the best long-term solution.
6. Municipal Sewer Problems
Sometimes, the cause of a sewer backup is beyond your control. If there’s a blockage or failure in the municipal sewer system, it can cause wastewater to back up into your home. These issues are often caused by overflows, blockages, or damage to the larger public sewer lines.
How to Fix It: If you suspect that a municipal sewer issue is affecting your home, contact your local water department to report the problem. You may also want to consider installing a backflow valve to protect your home from future backups.
Dangers of a Sewer Backup
A sewer backup is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious health and safety hazard. Here are some of the potential dangers:
- Health Risks: Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases like hepatitis, gastroenteritis, and E. coli. Direct exposure to raw sewage is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
- Property Damage: Sewage can damage floors, walls, furniture, and other belongings. It can also cause structural damage if not addressed quickly.
- Mold Growth: Sewage can foster the growth of mold and mildew, which can further damage your property and pose additional health risks.
Preventing Sewer Backups
While some sewer backups are unavoidable, you can take steps to minimize the risk:
- Regular Sewer Line Inspections: Have your sewer line professionally inspected every few years. This can help catch potential problems before they turn into serious issues.
- Don’t Pour Grease Down Drains: Grease is a major contributor to blockages. Avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink, as it can harden and create a clog.
- Flush Only Toilet Paper: Only flush toilet paper down your toilet. Items like baby wipes, paper towels, and sanitary products can cause blockages in your sewer line.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep trees and shrubs away from your sewer line. If you suspect tree roots may be a problem, have a plumber inspect your lines.
What to Do If You Have a Sewer Backup
If you’re dealing with a sewer backup, take the following steps:
- Avoid Direct Contact: Sewage is hazardous to your health. Avoid touching raw sewage or breathing in fumes.
- Shut Off Water and Power: Turn off the main water supply to your home, and switch off electricity in the affected area.
- Contact a Professional: Call a plumber immediately. They will have the tools and expertise to safely address the backup.
- Protect Your Property: Remove any items from the affected areas and ventilate the space to reduce the risk of mold growth.
Contact Bienvenu Brothers for Sewer Backup Help
Dealing with a sewer backup is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. Bienvenu Brothers has years of experience handling sewer backups and ensuring your home stays safe and clean. If you’re facing a sewer backup or want to prevent one from happening, don’t hesitate to call us today at (504) 835-7783. Our team of experts is ready to help with fast, reliable solutions.
Protect your home and family by contacting the trusted professionals at Bienvenu Brothers. We’re here to help—every step of the way.