It’s not fun to think about but sewage backups can happen to anyone in any home. When we get calls from Lawton-area homeowners who need help diagnosing and repairing their sewer problem, the cause is usually one of these three things.
A Clog
Just like your drain pipes, your main sewer line can become clogged, which can cause sewage backups in your home. If it is just one toilet, sink or tub that seems to be giving you a problem, it may just be a clog in the drain. If, however, every flush creates a sewage backup in your home, you likely have a blockage in your main sewer line.
Most sewer clogs can be prevented with regular maintenance and proper use of your drains. Here are a few tips that will help keep your sewer line clear.
- Don't use your toilet as a waste basket - Flushing facial tissues, napkins, diapers and other waste down your toilet creates clogs.
- Use your garbage disposal intelligently - Avoid dumping large quantities of anything down your garbage disposal that can become lodged within your sewer line.
- Don't pour grease down your drain - Grease and fat, although liquid when poured down your drain, can harden within your plumbing, collecting debris and creating a stubborn clog.
Tree Roots
Another common cause of home sewer backups is tree roots. Even if the area directly above your sewer line is free of trees, roots from a neighboring yard could be the cause of your sewer problem.
Tree roots can cause a couple of problems for your sewer lines – they can grow into the pipes and cause holes and blockages or they may wrap around your sewer line and crush it.
Broken or Collapsed Sewer Lines
If your Toronto-area home is older, your sewer backup could be caused by broken, cracked or collapsed lines. Although plastic sewer lines have now become the norm, older homes were built using cast iron and clay piping that can break down over time and create sewer problems.
Don’t Make the Same Costly Mistake Most Homeowners Make
Don’t reach for what you think might be a cheap and easy fix to treat a clogged drain. These harsh chemicals can damage your plumbing pipes and sewer and result in making a simple fix a more costly repair. Local Drain Expert also offers simple, low-priced treatment options which use enzymes instead of harsh chemicals that can often solve and prevent future problems.
Diagnosing Your Sewer Problem
One of the best ways to pinpoint the cause of your home sewer backup is to have a professional plumber check it out. They can perform a video inspection of your sewer line and show you exactly what is causing the problem. They can then prescribe the most appropriate, safest, and least expensive solution.
Local Drain Expert is the leading plumbing company in the Toronto area. Contact us online for more information on preventing or repairing your home’s sewer problems.