When it comes to your sewer line, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs that your sewer line is backing up, as well as the causes of sewer line backups so you can take steps to prevent them.
Here are 10 common causes of sewer line backups:
- Grease and oil– When grease and oil are poured down the drain, they can solidify in your sewer line and cause a blockage. This is especially true if your sewer line is already partially blocked.
- Hair- Hair is another common cause of sewer line backups. When hair shedding from shampooing, shaving, and other activities goes down the drain, it can quickly build up and cause a blockage. Aside from using a drain cover, the best way to prevent hair from causing a sewer line backup is to dispose of it in the trash instead of down the drain.
- Flushable wipes– While they may be marketed as “flushable,” most types of flushable wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can cause blockages in your sewer line.
- Feminine hygiene products– Like flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products can cause blockages in your sewer line because they do not break down like toilet paper. The best way to prevent this type of backup is to dispose of these products in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.
- Paper towels– Paper towels, like flushable wipes and feminine hygiene products, do not break down like toilet paper and can cause blockages in your sewer line. The best way to prevent this type of backup is to dispose of paper towels in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.
- Diapers– Diapers can cause sewer line backups for the same reasons as feminine hygiene products and paper towels – they do not break down like toilet paper. The best way to prevent this type of backup is to dispose of diapers in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.
- Toys– Children’s toys can easily become lodged in your sewer line and cause a blockage. If your child does flush a toy down the toilet, try to fish it out as soon as possible to prevent a backup.
- Tree roots-Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer line backups. When tree roots grow into your sewer line, they can cause blockages that lead to backups. The best way to prevent tree roots from causing a sewer line backup is to have your sewer line inspected and repaired regularly.
- Sewer line damage– Sewer lines can become damaged over time due to age, wear and tear, weather, and other factors. When a sewer line is damaged, it is more likely to cause a blockage that leads to a backup. The best way to prevent sewer line damage is to call for a professional or company that does sewer line repair in Utah or wherever you are.
- Foreign objects– Foreign objects, such as jewelry, coins, and toys, can become lodged in your sewer line and cause a blockage. If you suspect that there is a foreign object in your sewer line, try to fish it out as soon as possible to prevent a backup.
These are just some of the most common causes of sewer line backups. If you are having problems with your sewer line, it is important to call a professional or company that offers sewer line repair or cleaning services. Doing so can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the long run.