Understanding Sewer Line Backups
The sewer line is one of the most critical parts of plumbing systems in the home as far as public health is concerned. Without them, there would be no way to deal with waste, and diseases would run rampant. Unfortunately, despite the sewer system’s benefits, problems can occur in the sewer line, creating trouble and stress.
Sewer lines are designed to handle a variety of waste with little trouble. However, they can fail occasionally, which can lead to backed-up sewer lines, causing water and waste to back up into the home’s drains and toilets. Here is a quick guide to backed-up sewer lines that will discuss some common reasons they can occur, how professionals can repair them, and how homeowners can help avoid them.
What Causes a Sewer Line Backup?
Dealing with a backed-up sewer line can be very messy and stressful. Luckily, understanding what causes a sewer line to back up can help people stay calm and respond appropriately by calling a plumber and avoiding them in the future. One common cause of sewer backups is a clogged sewer line, so the water and waste have nowhere to go but back up into the drains.
Sewer lines are buried underground, which can contribute to other problems that can also cause backups. Pipe damage from causes like tree roots getting into the lines and shifting soil can cause a backup. Crushed, broken, or collapsed pipes due to other reasons like age and wear and tear can also cause a sewer line backup.
How Professionals Handle Sewer Line Backups
The first step in dealing with a backed-up sewer line is to call a plumber. Then, a plumber will have to identify the cause of the backup to determine how it should be fixed. This is often done using sewer video inspection, allowing them to get a clear look inside the line at the damage or blockage.
If the sewer backup is due to a sewer line clog, drain cleaning methods and tools like drain snakes or hydrojetting can be used to clear the line and get water and sewage flowing again. If damage to the line has caused it to back up, sewer line repair or replacement will be needed. Trenchless sewer repair may be an option, but it cannot be used if the damage is too severe, like a collapsed line.
Preventing Sewer Line Backups
Since no one wants to deal with a backed-up sewer line, most people want to know how to avoid them. By following a few simple guidelines, homeowners can reduce the risk of backed-up sewer lines and help protect their property:
- Discard food waste in the garbage, not the drains, including coffee grounds and cooking grease
- Don’t flush anything down toilets except for toilet paper
- Keep a wastebasket near the toilet for non-flushable items
- Schedule routine plumbing maintenance from professionals
- Replace old and damaged sewer lines before they lead to worse issues
- Avoid planting trees and vegetation near underground sewer lines
About Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD
Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD has more than 40 years of expertise serving Vancouver and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for sewer line repair and replacement services in Vancouver, BC.
