Primary Culprits in Main Sewer Line Backup Issues

In many cases, clogs or backups in main sewer lines attached to homes are due to singular, one-off issues that can be remedied fully and will remove the concern. In others, however, sewer lines may continue to back up repeatedly, signaling a significant long-term issue that needs to be addressed by professional plumbers.

At Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to help with any sewer and main line repair needs you have. We’ll assist you with everything from identifying signs of such issues to determining their precise causes and the required fixes that will not only clear up the issue now, but also prevent it from returning in the future. Here are a few of the most common such concerns you might be dealing with.

Clogging Concerns

Perhaps the most common cause of repeated sewer line issues is regular clogs, which are generally caused by home occupants using their toilets and other plumbing fixtures improperly. In particular, regular entry of materials like grease, hair, oil or large hygiene wipes will cause clogs in your sewer line – these items are not meant to be flushed down toilets or poured down sink drains.

Luckily, this is a problem you can fix with a bit of increased diligence. For starters, educate everyone in your home on these items and why they cannot be placed in drains. In addition, consider installing drain catches if you continue to have these issues.

Tree Root Infiltration

Another common issue, particularly in homes with a large number of trees growing on the property, is roots from these trees infiltrating the sewer line within the yard. Tree roots are always in search of moisture, and they may reach out to your sewer lines and even grow into them in some cases. This can lead to cracking and other major damage potential, and will require proper removal to ensure they do not grow back and cause the same issues all over again.

Additional Damage

Whether due to tree roots or some other kind of clog, lingering damage to sewer lines will lead to continued clogging concerns. This is because holes or cracks let dirt, rocks and other debris into the sewer line, blocking the proper flow of water. If you suspect damage has taken place to your line, it’s vital to have our plumbers repair it fully.

Soil and Corrosion Risks

Finally, another potential cause of sewer line damage is shifting soil, which can impact the way pipes sit. They also may wear down due to natural corrosion over time. These issues can lead to sagging and collapsing of the line in some cases, which will require detailed repairs.

For more on how to address sewer line backups and their primary causes, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.