A Guide to Backed-Up Sewer Lines

FAQs About Sewer Line Backups

It is no surprise that backed-up sewer lines are often treated as a plumbing emergency due to the level of stress and damage they can cause when they happen. For the benefit of those new to the topic, a sewer line backup occurs when the water and sewage or wastewater flow backward into the sink, bathtub, and shower drains or toilets since it can’t drain through its usual route. This post will answer some common questions about sewer backups, including what can cause them, how they can be fixed, and how people can try to avoid them. 

Why Does the Sewer Line Keep Backing Up?

Backed-up sewer lines can occur for a variety of reasons, but most of them are centered around the environment that sewer lines are exposed to. Sewer lines can back up due to issues like: 

• Clogged sewer lines
• Invasive tree roots
• Damage from shifting soils
• Corrosion
• Collapsed or broken pipes

To get sewer lines flowing freely again, always have a plumber determine the underlying cause of backed-up sewer lines so they can make the appropriate repairs to prevent another backup. 

How Can a Backed-Up Sewer Line Be Fixed?

To determine the best solution for a sewer line backup, plumbers will often start by using sewer video inspection to identify the backup’s cause. Once that has been determined, plumbers will know the best way to repair it. If a clog is the culprit, a drain snake or hydrojet drain cleaning can be used to clear the blockage. If tree roots have entered the line and formed a clog, these methods may also be used before performing sewer line repairs to fix any damage the tree roots caused when entering the line.

Any pipe damage that leads to a backup will need to be fixed. Although some sewer line repairs and replacements can be invasive, some are relatively simple. Some problems can be solved with trenchless sewer repair or replacement techniques like trenchless pipe lining. Other situations may require excavation to expose the existing sewer line so repairs or replacement can be done. 

How Can Sewer Line Backups Be Prevented?

Although backed-up sewer lines require urgent repair, people should also try to prevent them as much as possible. Some of the bad habits that contribute to chronic sewer line problems and backups that should be avoided at all costs to prevent sewer backups are: 

• Pouring cooking grease down the sink
• Putting eggshells, coffee grounds, and other food waste down the drain
• Allowing non-flushable materials to be flushed down toilets
• Planting trees and bushes too close to underground sewer pipes
• Not updating damaged or outdated plumbing materials and piping
• Neglecting routine plumbing maintenance

If homeowners avoid the bad habits above, they can help prevent backups in the sewer line and the damage and costs they can cause. 

About Warhold Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning are a local family-owned and operated business serving Greensburg and the surrounding areas. They offer personalized service, financing, and competitive prices. Call them today for sewer line services in Greensburg, PA. 

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