Why Does My Sewer Line Keep Backing Up?

Sewer line backups are a common problem in many households. Unfortunately, the cause can be hard to diagnose and even harder to solve. Some of the factors that lead to sewer line backup, like tree roots growing into sewers and water sitting in pipes, are just part of living with private sewer service.

But there are also other reasons why your sewer line might keep backing up that have nothing to do with you or your home: external factors like storms, earthquakes, ice damage or nearby construction projects.

Although there are different causes, they all have in common that they’re signs of a potentially serious problem. You should never ignore any of the warning signs.

Here is a list of possible causes for sewer line backups and ways to prevent them:

Excessive Amounts of Snow, Ice & Rain – If you live in a cold climate, you probably have to deal with too much snow and ice, which can pressure your sewer line and result in sewage backing up into your home. If it happens, you might need to have your pipes broken and cleaned by a professional. You can also prevent it by installing an anti-siphon device that prevents water from flowing back into the pipes when a toilet is flushed.

Tree Roots – Trees growing close to sewer pipes can be a major source of trouble for homeowners. Roots growing into piping are not only ugly, but they expand over time. They can cause serious damage to the structure of your home and even the entire sewer line. If you notice your sewer line is backed up, make sure to have a professional check for tree roots.

Frozen Pipes – Frozen pipes are also a common result of living in cold weather, and they can cause serious damage to your home. They can also lead to a backup in your sewer line. Start heating water in buckets or other containers as soon as the temperature drops below freezing so that you don’t get caught off guard by frozen pipes when you least expect it.

Clogged Septic Tank – If your septic tank gets overloaded with too much material, or if it gets blocked for some other reason, the wastewater can back up into your sewer line and cause a backup. It’s important to have your tank cleaned regularly to avoid unnecessary damage and expensive repairs.

Tree Roots Growing Through Your Pipes – Tree roots can easily grow through the tiny cracks in your sewer line pipes, causing big problems over time. If you notice that your drain pipe is starting to fill up with water, look for the roots and either remove them or have a professional root prune your sewer line.

An Earthquake – An earthquake can cause short circuits in sewer lines and lead to backups. If the pipes freeze or are damaged from the earthquake, you might need them repaired or replaced. A damaged sewer line usually causes a sewage backup in your home.

An Underground Leak – A leaky pipe is the leading cause of sewer line backups and problems with septic systems. If your home has a septic tank, make sure to have it pumped out regularly to prevent backups.

External Factors such as Storms, Earthquakes and Ice – Another common problem that can cause sewer line backups are storms, earthquakes or ice damage to the structure of the pipes.

This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we pride ourselves on our dedication and efficiency. We know you don’t have time to waste. That’s why we work fast to get your home or commercial building back up and running in no time. If you are looking for plumbers in St.Petersburg FL then look no further because we got you covered!