Top Reasons Why Your Sewer is Backed Up

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is sewer drain issues. A main drain backed up can cause significant problems throughout the home and typically requires immediate repair. Luckily, if you’ve yet to experience a sewer backup, there are a few things you can do to prevent them. 

So, if you suspect your main drain backed up is causing problems, this is the guide for you. Here, we’ll cover all the top reasons why sewers get backed up, how to fix it, and ways to prevent it from happening in the future. 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about main drains backed up in your home. 

Top Reasons of Sewer Backups 

If you know the reasons behind most sewer backups, you can troubleshoot yours or prevent one from occurring. To get started, here are the top reasons main drains or sewer lines become backed up. 

Tree Root Infiltration

Tree roots are found in almost every yard, especially in the yards of older homes versus newer builds. They naturally seek out moisture, and sewer lines naturally provide an ideal environment. 

Roots can seek out and penetrate even the most minor pipe cracks. Over time, they can expand and cause significant blockages. This is a common issue in older homes with clay or other porous piping materials.

Accumulation of Debris and Grease

Improper household waste disposal, such as the items below, can lead to blockages. 

• Cooking grease
• Oils
• Hair
• Soap scum
• Food particles
• Feminine hygiene products 

They often accumulate in pipes, leading to significant obstructions over time. Grease, in particular, solidifies and adheres to pipe walls, gradually narrowing the passageway.

Structural Issues with Pipes

Older pipes made from clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg (a bituminized fiber pipe) are prone to deterioration, corrosion, and collapse. Shifting soil, ground movement, or settling can cause misalignment or damage to these pipes, leading to backups.

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

Metro Detroit has recently experienced heavy rainfall and flooding, which should cause some concern about the main drains backing up. Excessive rain or rapid snowmelt can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, especially in areas with combined sewer systems (sanitary and storm sewers combined). When the system is overloaded, water can return to homes through the sewer line.

Improper Installation or Maintenance

Poorly installed or maintained plumbing systems can contribute to sewer backups. Misaligned pipes, insufficient slope, or poor-quality materials can result in frequent clogs and backups. This can be more common in newer builds where builders were quick to finish or cut corners on costs. 

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Flushing items such as wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and paper towels can cause severe blockages. These items break down slowly and can accumulate, leading to backups.

Main Drain Backed Up: How to Repair 

First and foremost, if you suspect your main drain is backed up, it’s best to call in a professional plumbing service. They have the expertise, tools, and experience to accurately diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring it is resolved efficiently and effectively. 

To repair your sewer or main drain issue, one of many of the following services are often performed. 

1. Mechanical cleaning: Mechanical cleaning involves using tools such as augers or drain snakes to remove blockages. A plumber can insert a flexible rod into the pipe to break up or retrieve the debris causing the blockage. A power auger may be used for severe clogs.
2. Hydrojetting: Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water streams to clean the inside of pipes. This method is effective for removing grease, debris, and tree roots. By thoroughly cleaning the walls, hydrojetting can restore pipes to near-original condition.
3. Chemical treatments: Chemical treatments can dissolve grease and other organic materials. Enzyme-based drain cleaners are effective and environmentally friendly, breaking down the material without damaging pipes. For tree roots, copper sulfate or foaming root killers can be used, though they should be applied with caution and typically by a professional.
4. Pipe replacement or relining: Replacement or relining may be necessary for pipes that are severely damaged or deteriorated. Pipe bursting is a method where a new pipe is pulled through the old one, breaking the old pipe apart and replacing it. Relining involves inserting a resin-coated liner into the existing pipe, which hardens and creates a new, durable inner surface.
5. Trenchless repair: Trenchless techniques such as pipe bursting and pipe relining minimize the need for extensive digging, reducing disruption and repair costs. These methods are handy for pipes located under landscaping, driveways, or buildings.

Preventing Main Drain Backed Up Problems 

Now, before you go, learn about the simple things you can do around the house to prevent backups and some more complex projects to help, too. 

• Regular inspections and maintenance: Scheduling regular inspections by a professional plumber can identify potential issues before they become major problems. Using cameras, plumbers can inspect the inside of pipes to detect blockages, cracks, or root infiltration.
• Proper waste disposal: Educate your family or roommates about what can and cannot be flushed or poured down the drains. Avoid disposing of grease, oils, coffee grounds, and food scraps in sinks. Use strainers in sinks and tubs to catch hair and other debris.
• Tree root management: If you have trees near your sewer line, consider consulting an arborist to manage root growth. Root barriers or removing trees that pose a threat can prevent roots from infiltrating pipes. Additionally, products can be flushed down the toilet to inhibit root growth.
• Upgrade old pipes: If your home has older pipes prone to deterioration, consider upgrading to more durable materials such as PVC or HDPE. Modern materials are less likely to corrode and are more resistant to root infiltration.
• Installing a backwater valve: A backwater valve is a device installed in the sewer line that allows wastewater to flow out of your home but prevents it from flowing back in. This can be particularly useful in areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding.
• Proper grading and drainage: Ensure that your yard is adequately graded to direct water away from your home. Properly functioning gutters and downspouts can prevent water from accumulating around your foundation and seeping into your sewer system.

Who to Call when Main Drains Back Up: WaterWork Plumbing

All in all, sewer drain or main drain backed-up issues can be caused by various factors. From tree root infiltration and debris accumulation to structural problems and improper waste disposal, the key is understanding what can cause and prevent them.

Luckily, when backups occur, a professional plumbing service has the tools and expertise to repair the issue. Mechanical cleaning, hydrojetting, chemical treatments, and pipe replacement or relining can resolve the issue.

By understanding the causes and solutions, homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent sewer drain backups, saving time, money, and stress in the long run. Having a trusted plumber on-call is ideal. So, make WaterWork Plumbing your go-to plumbing service for repairs in Metro Detroit today. 

Learn more about our residential or commercial services and contact our team for preventative care or immediate repairs now.