A blocked or clogged sewer line is a common household plumbing nightmare. Experts like The Relining Company say that when your drains suddenly back up, it's a sign there's a blockage in the sewer pipe preventing wastewater from draining properly. Let's overview the typical culprits behind blocked sewer so you can hopefully prevent this messy issue in the future.
Buildup of Organic Matter
The number one cause of sewer clogs is gradual buildup of organic matter in the pipes over time. Things like food scraps, oils and grease, hair, and other debris eventually congeal into a thick sludge that sticks to pipe walls and restricts flow.
Kitchen drains are especially prone as leftovers, fats and oils go down the sink. Bathroom drains also accumulate hair and soap residue. Slowly but surely, organic gunk accumulates and finally plugs the works.
Intrusion of Tree Roots
Another prevalent sewer blocker is infiltration of tree roots from the exterior. Roots seeking water sources can make their way in through tiny cracks or gaps in your home's drainage pipes.
Once inside, the fast-growing roots expand and tangle into a dense mass that catches passing waste. Roots are powerful enough to force pipe joints apart over time as well.
Trees with aggressive root systems like willows, elms and cedars are most likely to cause invasions.
Collapse of Piping
While less common, an actual collapse of old or damaged piping can create major blockages. If sewer pipes are compromised enough, sections can settle, shift or fully cave in.
This instantly creates a narrowed passage or dead end that waste gets stuck at. Pipes weakened by tree roots are especially prone to collapse.
Flushing Problem Items
Homeowners accidentally contribute to sewer issues when improper items get flushed and create clogs. Common culprits include:
- Baby wipes and hygiene products that don't break down
- Paper towels and other thick paper products
- Fats, oils and grease poured down sinks
- Toys, kits and hard materials (Legos, marbles, etc.)
- Excessive food waste
Avoid flushing anything besides intended waste and toilet paper.
Improper Drainage Slope
Sewer pipes must be properly sloped in order to facilitate gravity drainage. If any sections were put in incorrectly or are not fallen off of the slope, they could cause problems with flow. The waste gets stuck in low places and on straight runs instead of flowing downhill.
Always check the slope for signs of slow drainage is evident in particular areas. Re-leveling of areas may be required.
Damaged Lateral Lines
In addition to the main sewer lines the laterals that connect to your house can cause localized obstructions. Joints that are cracked or cracked let debris get stuck before it reaches the main sewer line. Roots of trees can also penetrate much more easily.
Examine these branches that aren't part of the main plumbing thoroughly in case of frequent problems. They might require repairs.
A blocked sewer isn't enjoyable to tackle. Being aware of the many reasons for this can help you adopt preventative measures. Take care when handling drainage systems Beware of putting dangerous items in drains and conduct checks to identify potential problems earlier before they become major problems.
Pipe Fractures
Finally, sudden sewer line fractures can catch homeowners unaware and cause terrible clogs. Fractures stem from ground shifts, freezing temperatures, soil erosion and aging infrastructure.
The cracks and breaks leave large gaps that grab and trap solids flowing through, quickly plugging flow.
ConclusionÂ
Catching a blocked sewer early and clearing the obstruction is crucial to avoid sewage backups. Be proactive by minimizing what goes down drains and getting periodic sewer inspections. Address any issues before they escalate into a huge clogged mess.
