One of the messiest, and possibly the most inconvenient, plumbing issues to deal with is a sewer line backup. Unfortunately, this type of problem will persist until you address the cause.
Why does my sewer keep backing up, and what can I do about it? Read on for the major causes and symptoms of sewer line backup in this helpful guide. Alternatively, contact Green Energy Mechanical Inc. if you need a trusted plumber in Milton, MA, to take a look at your pipe system.
A Few Signs That You Have an Imminent Sewer Line Backup
The main purpose of a sewer system is to carry wastewater out of your home and away from the property for health and safety reasons. Here are some signs that the water isn’t going where it should:
- Bad drainage. Anytime you run your faucets or flush the toilet, that water should flow with ease. Wastewater will drain slowly or not at all if there’s something stopping the flow, and then it will come right back up and out into sinks, toilets, appliances, and floors.
- Bad smells. A sewage backup produces foul odors from your drains and fixtures.
- Bad performance. A blockage affects how your entire plumbing system works. You may see bubbles forming whenever you try to drain the sink or flush the toilet, as well.
As soon as you experience the issues above, reach out to a licensed plumber like Green Energy Mechanical Inc. They’ll need to inspect your main sewer line before the situation reaches a breaking point.
The Common Causes of Sewer Backup Issues
Why does my sewer keep backing up? The answer often depends on how you treat your drain pipes. Plumbers typically need to repair this issue due to the following reasons:
Clogged Drain Pipes
Perhaps the most common reason sewer lines back up is a blockage inside the pipes. Natural waste or a foreign object can block the path of the water, including:
- Hair
- Food scraps
- Soap residue
- Hygiene products (other than toilet paper)
What you allow to flow down your drains matters, regardless of whether you use a sewer or septic system. Even flushable wipes can clog the drain!
Drain strainers and an enzyme-based cleaner may prove helpful in keeping things clear.
Tree Root Infiltration
The pipes underground could face obstructions thanks to growing tree roots that navigate toward water and nutrients. The root can penetrate the sewer line, which will impede the flow of wastewater.
In this situation, a plumbing professional will need to inspect the underground pipe system and then use state-of-the-art equipment to remove the roots.
Cracked Pipes
Why does my sewer keep backing up if the drains seem clear? The pipes themselves could be the culprit. For example, cast iron and clay pipes crack more easily than PVC.
Understandably, you could deal with major plumbing issues if your sewer pipes age, which will be an even larger problem if tree roots are within reach of the leakage. Any cracks will attract the root toward the water in the pipe, so it’s best to handle the problem as soon as possible.
Heavy Rain
It’s not uncommon to go through a period of heavy rain and then experience water backflow in your sinks.
This happens when the rain floods your municipal sewer system. In severe weather, it may even get to the point where the water has nowhere to go but into different residential sewage pipes like yours.
How Plumbers Repair Backed-Up Sewer Lines
Why does my sewer keep backing up? If you’re still asking this question, you’re probably wondering how plumbing experts can repair your system. Here are a few examples:
- Excessive rainfall: When sewer systems flood because of heavy rains, the only thing plumbers can do is wait for the municipal line’s levels to recede.
- Clogs or damage: If pipe damage or clogs are causing issues, a plumber may suggest drain cleaning. A drain snake or plunger is a great start, but hydro jetting offers superior results, especially for invading tree roots.
- Cracked pipes: If there’s a crack in the sewer pipe, replacing it with a sturdier material is the only option.
Contact Our Local Plumbing Experts for Professional Sewer Backup Solutions
So, why does my sewer keep backing up? The easiest way to find out is from a reliable plumbing contractor like Green Energy Mechanical Inc. The team will handle everything you can think of, from sewer system issues to a leaking pipe in the wall.
Green Energy Mechanical Inc. leverages years of industry experience to help Massachusetts homeowners maintain their plumbing systems. Call (877) 731-9509 day or night to request immediate service!
