Solutions to a Backed Up Sewer Line

Common Causes and Solutions to a Sewage Backup

A sewage backup may be one of the grossest plumbing problems homeowners have to deal with. When stuff starts coming back up the drains instead of going down, there is a serious issue. A problem like this with a main sewer line can have implications for the home and the health of the people in it. This is more than a simple toilet clog and needs professional assistance. Read on to discover the possible causes of a sewer line backup and how it can be fixed and prevented.

What Causes a Sewer Line to Get Backed Up?

Most people only think about their sewer lines and plumbing once something goes wrong. However, several plumbing problems could lead to a sewage backup if not repaired immediately, including:

• Sewer line clogs
• Pipe damage from shifting soil
• Tree roots in the line
• Damaged or crushed pipes
• Old age of pipes

What Are the Solutions for a Sewer Line Backup?

The best solution for a backed-up sewer line will depend on the cause of the backup, and multiple methods may need to be used. Some of the tools and methods plumbers may need to use to fix an underlying problem that leads to a sewage backup include:

• Sewer Camera Inspection: Using a tiny camera on the end of a flexible line, a plumbing professional can see the inside of the sewer line to determine what caused the backup and the best way to proceed.
• Hydro Jetting: If a clog is the cause of a sewage backup or even tree roots that have invaded the line and caused a blockage, hydro jet drain cleaning may be used. It uses high-pressure streams of water to eliminate clogs and can help prevent new ones from forming.
• Pipe Lining or Other Trenchless Repair Methods: There was a time when digging up a yard to repair or replace a pipe was just standard practice, but new technology has emerged to make certain repairs easier and less disruptive. Trenchless pipe repair methods like pipe lining can be used to repair sewer lines without excavation.

How Can a Homeowner Help Prevent Sewage Backups?

Prevention is the best way to avoid emergency plumbing disasters, which includes sewage backups. One way to help prevent a backed-up sewer line is by having the piping inspected by a professional routinely as a part of plumbing maintenance. During plumbing inspections, they can identify damage to the piping that could eventually lead to a backup and fix it before one occurs.

Additionally, homeowners should help prevent clogged sewer lines to avoid a sewage backup. To avoid clogs, household residents should avoid putting grease, eggshells, coffee grounds, starchy foods, or other food waste down the drain. They should also only flush toilet paper down their toilets, as other products and items can lead to clogs. These simple tips, along with a routine pipe inspection, can help prevent many future problems with a home’s plumbing system, including a sewer line backup.

About Hall’s Plumbing

Hall’s Plumbing has more than 25 years of expertise serving Dixon and the surrounding areas. They offer budget-friendly options, flat rate pricing, and on-time arrival. Call them today for sewer line services in Dixon, CA.