Sewage backup is probably the last thing you want to happen to your home. Aside from it being incredibly gross, it’s also dangerous and tends to ruin anything it comes into contact with. For these reasons, it’s important to know all the major causes of sewage backup as well as steps you can take to prevent it!
What Are the Signs of Sewage Backup? (Besides the Obvious!)
When a sewage crisis occurs in your home, it’s pretty hard to miss, right? Not exactly!
Sewage backup can occur “quietly” too. Slow drains, especially when accompanied by a foul odor, are probably the most telling sign that you have a sewer line problem. And if you have a series of slowed or clogged drains, it’s definitely time for professional help.
The 3 Most Common Causes of Sewage Backup
Below we’ve collected three of the most common causes of sewage backup.
Clogged Drains (From Dumping Things You Shouldn’t!)
The only things you should ever flush down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Anything else can easily clog your pipes.
Dumping food and grease down your kitchen sink—even in the garbage disposal—is also a big no-no! Both tend to solidify in your pipes, blocking the flow of water. In turn, this can build pressure in your system to unsafe levels, possibly leading to a sewage backup issue.
Old Sewer Systems and Pipes (Including Municipal Sewer Problems)
While sewer systems are built to last, over time they degrade with normal wear and tear. In other words: if you have old pipes, there’s a decent chance they’re going to break at some point—especially if they’re made of metal (which is vulnerable to environmental changes).
Municipal sewer problems can also lead to sewage backup in your home, though this is rare. Most of the sewer systems in Southern California are well maintained, but even the best systems are still at the mercy of various disasters. (Oh, and check this article out if you’re curious about sewage backup in Orange County.)
Tree Roots in Sewer Pipes
You might be surprised to learn that tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewage backup! Tree roots are very strong, and the constant pressure they place on sewer lines can eventually lead to a break.
How Do You Prevent Sewage Backup?
Good news: most common causes of sewage backup are generally preventable! Here are a few things you can do to limit the chances of a sewage crisis:
Avoid flushing anything but human waste and toilet paper.
Dump leftover food and grease in the trash instead of your sink.
Replace old metal pipes with modern PVC pipes (which are more durable).
Trim tree roots whenever possible.
It’s also not a bad idea to have your sewer line inspected from time to time.
Need Sewage Backup Repair for Your Home? Contact All-Water Restoration in Orange County!
If you need sewage backup in Orange County or the surrounding area, the pros and All-Water Restoration can help! Or, give us a call at the number on your screen for a free phone consultation (you can also visit our contact page!).
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