Sewage Backups: Causes, Signs, and Prevention Tips

A sewage backup is one of the worst plumbing issues dreaded by all home dwellers. Sewage backup not only leads to poor air quality and a foul odor, but the harmful microorganisms (such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens) present in sewage can lead to serious health issues for the occupants. And so, it is important to avoid sewer backups at all costs. In this blog post, we talk about the causes, signs, and prevention of sewage backups. Let’s get started.

Causes of Sewage Backups

Clogging Due to Residual Buildup

Clogs in the sewer are one of the most common causes of sewage backups. Just like drain pipes, sewer pipes are also prone to clogging. Usually, sewer lines get clogged because of hair, tissue papers, cotton buds, food wastes, oils, coffee grounds, soap residue, sanitary products, and other objects that are flushed down the toilet or the kitchen drains. If the issue is with a particular toilet or kitchen sink, then this could be a drain line clogging issue. But if the issue is with multiple drain lines, then the issue might be with the main sewer line.

Blockages Due to Cracks in the Sewer Pipe

Sewage backups are common in homes with large trees planted in their yards or in close proximity. This is because tree roots tend to grow in the direction where they receive water and nutrition, and so the tree roots grow toward the sewer line cracks and finally grow into it, thereby causing major blockage.
Note: Even if you don’t have trees in your yard, tree roots from neighboring yards can lead to sewage backups if there’s a crack in your sewer pipe.

Sewer Problem

Though it is rare, sewage backups may also occur because of a problem with your sewer. The worst part about sewage backup caused due to sewer problems is that there are no early signs, so there’s nothing much one can do to prevent it. If not addressed immediately, the wastewater can wreak havoc in your home, so it is best to contact a plumber in Long Beach, California. Also, get in touch with your local public works office to prevent serious damage to your property.

Early Signs of Sewage Backup

Here are some of the most common signs of sewage backup that you must not ignore.

The Problem is Not Limited to a Single Drain

It’s not unusual for a drain to be clogged. Toilets and kitchen sinks often get clogged due to residual buildup. If it’s a minor clog, you can even fix it on your own. But if you experience the problem with multiple drains simultaneously, then it’s a cause of concern. This could signify a sewage backup, so you must immediately schedule a visit of plumber in Norwalk or surrounding areas and have your home plumbing inspected.

Your Drains Are Getting Slower

One of the earliest signs of a sewage backup is the drain getting slower. It is caused because of debris that gets built up in the sewer lines with the passage of time and due to lack of maintenance. You may not notice a slow drain in its initial stages. But as the buildup tends to increase, you can experience a substantial slowdown in the drainage speed. Contact a company for sewer line repair in Norwalk, CA, and get the sewer serviced to avoid the issue.

The Toilets Won't Flush

It goes without saying that clogged or overflowing toilets lead to major inconvenience. However, the issue is relatively easy to resolve if it’s not because of a sewage backup. But if you are facing the issue with multiple toilets, and on a recurring basis, hire a professional to get to the root cause of the issue and resolve it early on.

There's a Gurgling Sound From Unrelated Drains

You would have noticed strange sounds such as gurgling and bubbling when pouring something down the drain or flushing the toilet. But if you notice that an unrelated toilet, sink, or bathtub makes this sound when you use a different one, this could be a major sign that your sewage line has a backup issue. Do not procrastinate, and call a clogged drain expert in Norwalk, CA, immediately.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

It’s an old adage but will always hold good. If you don’t want your sewer line to break down and experience something like a sewage backup, follow these tips:

  • Ensure regular plumbing maintenance.
  • Flush only human waste and toilet paper.
  • Plant trees far from the sewer lines.
  • Avoid pouring oil, grease, and fats down the drain lines.
  • Ensure timely repair and replacement of pipes.
  • Install a sewer backup valve.
  • Avoid connecting sump pumps, French drains, and similar systems to the sewer line.

If you are looking for a plumber to fix a plumbing issue, such as a damaged sewer line or a clogged drain, we at Power Pro Plumbing would love to help. We are available 24/ 7, so our customers can reach out to us anytime during the day or night. We offer various plumbing services ranging from preventive plumbing maintenance to clogged drain inspection to sewer line repair in La Mirada, Norwalk, Anaheim, and nearby areas. To schedule an appointment, call us at (833) 212-2124 or send us an email at [email protected].

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