A main sewer line clog is the most serious plumbing issue you could face. Because there is nowhere for wastewater to go, a clogged sewer drain effectively paralyzes your plumbing system. Everything is dependent on breaking up that clog. Plumbing emergencies are frightening, even when they involve human waste. Unfortunately, we hate to be the bearer of bad news.
Fortunately, many frightening plumbing issues can be avoided. A few simple preventive measures are the most effective way to avoid sewage backup. If you’re wondering why your sewer drain pipe isn’t flowing, one of the following three possibilities exists:
Tree Roots
This is especially important for people like us who live in California. Trees require water to thrive. If their access to moisture is restricted (say, due to a drought), they’ll start looking for water anywhere they can find it, including your sewer line. Small root tendrils can enter small cracks or pipe fittings in your sewer drain pipe and cause havoc.
Don’t think you’re safe just because you don’t have a lot of trees in your yard. Roots can travel a long distance. Indeed, your sewage backup could have been caused by stray roots from your neighbor’s trees! The simplest way to keep your home safe from tree roots is to have regular sewer and drain cleaning inspections.
Sewer Clogs
The most common cause of sewage backup is this. People try to flush items that don’t belong in a toilet. You name it: paper towels, grease, or goldfish. The issue is that when you flush things down the toilet that your pipes can’t handle, your pipes clog.
If you only notice one clogged fixture, the clog is most likely limited to a single set of pipes. That’s fantastic news! The clog is in your main sewer line if you notice sewage back-up in your home’s fixtures or around your sewer cleanout. That is a serious issue that will require professional assistance to resolve. Keep an eye out for these types of sewer clogs first, and always watch what you flush!
A Sewer Line that has broken or collapsed
Nothing lasts forever, including your sewer line. Depending on the age of your home, your sewer line may have collapsed due to the weight of the earth above it, or it may be made of obsolete materials. Or a hybrid of the two. Most sewer lines today are made of long-lasting, heavy-duty plastic materials, but this was not always the case.
Cast iron or clay piping is standard in older homes. These materials may disintegrate and wear down over time, eventually breaking or collapsing. When your sewer line collapses, the sewage it processes has nowhere to go, causing it to back up. If you are concerned about your sewer line, you can hire a professional plumber to inspect it.
Top Tier Plumbing and Rooter To The Rescue
When home plumbing issues have you stressed out, get in touch with Top Tier Plumbing and Rooter. Whatever your plumbing needs, we’ve got you covered. That’s what we’re here for – even if it’s gross.