Troubleshooting a Backed Up Sewer Line

Identifying a Backed-Up Sewer Line

Sewer lines are the invisible yet important machine cogs that keep our home lives running smoothly. The last thing any homeowner wants is for the sewer lines to announce their presence because this likely means that something is wrong, and often, that problem has to do with the sewer lines backing up and returning the sewage and wastewater that should move out of the house.  

Common Reasons

tree roots A handful of scenarios can lead to a sewer line backing up. Some of the most common reasons usually have something to do with either a blockage within the pipe that doesn’t allow sewage to drain out of the house and instead causes it to go back where it came from, or it could have something to do with the condition of the pipes themselves. 

Most blockages result from debris such as food waste, oily substances, and large, non-biodegradable materials that build up over time within the pipes and eventually cause clogging. Another possible reason for a blockage is the infiltration of tree roots into the pipeline. When enough of these roots fill up the whole diameter of the pipe, sewage stops flowing in the right direction and starts backing up instead.

Another set of causes has to do with the state or shape of the pipes themselves. Some pipes break down or deteriorate as they age, while others crack or collapse as the soil shifts or moves around them. With the worsening condition of pipes comes the risk of sewer lines backing up.

Possible Fixes

camera inspection Fortunately, there are many ways to go about the sewer line repair process, and most of these methods are chosen to respond appropriately to a specific cause or problem. A tree root infiltration, for example, would call for trenchless sewer repair. This method allows plumbers to get to the problematic pipes deep underground without having to dig up trenches. This is done by conducting a sewer camera inspection to determine the extent and location of the tree root infiltration and then cleaning out the roots using highly pressurized water. Once the roots have been cleared, the damaged pipes can be repaired or replaced using an epoxy lining inflated and cured into the old pipes.

Similarly, hydro jet drain cleaning can dislodge stubborn clogs blocking the sewage system. This sewer pipe repair can be done as a stand-alone solution or with other methods, such as trenchless pipe lining. As with trenchless pipe repair, hydro jet drain cleaning is only done once a thorough sewer video inspection has been conducted to examine the condition of the pipes and pipe lining before the steady stream of highly pressurized water is deployed to remove the clogs in the plumbing system.

Effective Prevention

While timely repairs can help ease the strain of a backed-up sewer line, the ideal way of dealing with sewer line problems is to do what can be done to help prevent them. This means getting into the habit of disposing of waste properly - oil and grease in containers, as well as large food scraps, belong in the trash, not the garbage disposal; allowing only human waste and small amounts of toilet paper to be flushed down toilets; keeping hair from going down the shower drain. These are simple and easy steps that can be taken at home, which, when taken together with regular plumbing maintenance and annual drain cleaning, will equate to a healthy, clog-free sewer line that rarely, if ever, backs up.

What Is About Plumbing Inc.?

About Plumbing Inc. is a reliable plumbing solutions provider serving homes and businesses in Jefferson County, MO. The plumbers on their team are knowledgeable and experienced in their field, assuring satisfaction backed by a guarantee to come back and make anything right. With straightforward pricing and friendly yet professional service, About offers effective solutions at affordable prices. Call them today for plumbing service in Jefferson County, MO.

Distribution Links +