It only takes one sewer line backup to cause homeowners major problems and big headaches. But, when sewer lines keep backing up, these problems and headaches can snowball into a full-blown crisis!
If you’re frequently dealing with sewer line backups, here’s a look at what may be going wrong—and what you can do to fix it and stop the backups for good.
4 REASONS SEWER LINES KEEP BACKING UP
- Clogs, clogs, clogs: Recurring clogs can be one reason that sewer lines keep backing up. You’ll experience persistent clogs if things like oil, grease, hair, “flushable” wipes, or other items keep entering your drains and sewer line. The good news is that this is one of the easiest problems to fix. Simply take extra precautions to avoid letting these items go down your drains and toilet. You can also install drain catches throughout your home to help catch items before they go down a drain.
- Sewer line damage: After clearing clogs and being careful to avoid future clogs, you can continue having sewer line backups if your sewer line is cracked, has holes in it, or is otherwise damaged. That’s because a cracked sewer line can let dirt and rocks in, creating a new blockage and forcing your wastewater to back up into your home (because it has nowhere else to go).
- Tree roots: Another way your sewer line can become blocked and back up is with tree root infiltration. If tree roots are growing near your sewer line, they can damage the line, causing misalignments where buildup of solid matter can lead to blockages. When that happens and the line leaks, the roots can get nutrients from the leakage and start growing toward it—they may even grow into cracks, making them worse and creating new, bigger blockages. As the roots grow, they can eventually prevent any wastewater from passing through. Plus, if the roots aren’t properly removed, they can grow back, causing the same problem and recurring sewer backups.
- A broken, sagging, or collapsed sewer line: Sewer lines can break for all sorts of reasons, from pipe aging and corrosion to shifting soil, heavy above-ground construction, and more. No matter how a sewer line breaks, you’re sure to experience backups in your home until your sewer line is fixed.
HOW TO FIX SEWER LINES THAT KEEP BACKING UP
The only way to stop recurring sewer backups is to identify the exact problem with the line. And the best way to do that is with a professional sewer line camera inspection. This gives a plumber the opportunity to see:
- What’s going on inside your sewer line
- The condition of the line, including vulnerable areas, corrosion, and damage
- Exactly where in the line the problem lies
With that essential information, the best-fit solution can be determined. That may mean:
- Traditional sewer line repair or replacement: If your sewer lines are bellied, sagging, or collapsed, traditional sewer line repair or replacement methods that require excavation will be necessary.
- Trenchless sewer line repair or replacement: If your sewer line is still relatively intact, this less invasive, no-dig method can be the best option for restoring your system.
The best way to find out what’s causing your recurring sewer line backups and put a stop to them. Contact Ferrari Plumbing today at 630-260-5898. Located in Wheaton, IL, we provide 24 hr plumbing services to the DuPage County area. Contact us 24/7 to schedule an appointment with a Residential Home or Commercial Plumber.
