What Causes Sewer Backups?

If there’s a way to describe sewer backups, it’s that they’re incredibly inconvenient. (And, to be brutally honest, very nasty). They mean dealing with terrible odors and potential wastewater spills into your home and hours of clean-up and repairs you’d rather not think about.

As the expert in sewer repair in Seattle, WA, Price Busters Plumbing & Sewer advises that to troubleshoot and resolve a sewer backup, you must first identify the root cause. The common causes of sewer backups include:

Tree Roots Infiltrating Your Sewer Line

Roots from trees and shrubs are constantly searching for sources of water, and through cracks and loose joints in the sewer lines, they can slowly work their way into the pipes. As the roots grow, they can create pipe blockages, leading to a sewer backup. Severe root intrusion can also cause the lines to collapse, resulting in extensive repairs or complete sewer replacement.

Grease Buildup

Grease is one of the leading causes of sewer backup in residential plumbing systems. When poured down kitchen sinks, it can cool and harden inside pipes, obstructing wastewater from flowing freely through the line. Other materials, such as hair and food scraps, can become stuck in the grease buildup and further clog up the pipes.

Broken or Collapsed Pipes

Broken or cracked sewer pipes can be caused by various factors, from shifting soil to aging plumbing systems. Regardless of the cause, if the sewer pipes that connect your home to the municipal wastewater system are cracked or broken, it can cause sewage to back up into your home. It’s essential to address this issue with prompt repairs or replace sewer line pipes if necessary to prevent more severe damage and potential health hazards.

Clogged Toilets and Tubs

Ask any sewer pipe line repair expert, and they’ll tell you that toilets are not garbage cans! Items such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes (even flushable ones), cotton swabs, paper towels, and more can get caught in pipes and cause clogs that result in sewer backups.

Identifying the cause of your sewer backup is the first step to solving the problem. Once you know what’s causing it, Price Busters Plumbing & Sewer can help you with comprehensive sewer repair services to get your plumbing system back up and running in no time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!