Understanding the Causes and Prevention Methods for Sewer System Backups
The sewer system is truly fascinating, and it plays such a major role in protecting water quality and the general public’s health. It takes the sewage from homes and businesses, cleans it through a series of wastewater treatment plants, and returns it to the environment.
But when you need sewer line repairs, it can be a real mess as the sewage can’t exit in its proper fashion and instead can end up seeping back up through the drains in the house. Homeowners need to understand the causes of a sewer system backup so that the event can be prevented in the future.
What Exactly is a Sewer System Backup?
Think about all of the things that go through the drains in a house. Of course, there’s water that makes its way through the system. That one is obvious. But there’s also food particles, greases, and fats that get washed down the sink drains, along with hair that gets washed down the bathtub or shower drain, and other things like flushable wipes that end up passing through the sewage lines and drain lines of the house.When there are too many of these foreign products, they tend to get stuck along their way down and create a clog. This clog then leads to the entire sewer system backing up, because normal waste and water can no longer pass through easily.
No one really likes to talk about the results from this, because it is pretty gross, but these sewer system backups are quite hazardous because they allow the wastewater and sewage to enter back into the house by overflowing the drains, and unfortunately, backed-up sewage water can cause health issues.
What are Common Reasons for Sewer System Backups?
Clogs are the most common reason for a sewer system backup. Whether it’s from too much hair getting stuck in the drain lines, roots growing into the sewer lines causing a root clog, or other non-flushable products that people will try to flush down the toilet anyways, clogs can occur pretty easily. However, they are not the only cause. Though piping materials are durable, they won’t last forever.
Sewer pipes can crack and collapse, which can lead to a backup if not replaced immediately. Also, connecting gutters, downspouts, and sump pumps to the sanitary sewer line is risky and even illegal in some regions. When a storm passes through, the gutters and downspouts can experience a heavy flow of water. Sanitary sewer systems are not built to withstand this amount of pressure and water flowing through them and thus need sewer backup protection.
How Can Homeowners Prevent a Sewer System Backup?
The best way to prevent a sewer system backup is to be mindful of what is being put down the drains and toilets. Using a hair stopper in the sink drain and shower drain can prevent hair from sticking to the inside of the pipes and causing a clog. Be mindful of the products that can be flushed down the toilet.The truth is, the only thing that should be flushed is toilet paper. Other products should not be flushed, even if it says that they can be. Also, watch how much food is going down the drains. Try to scrape off extra food into the garbage before washing dishes.
Finally, homeowners should engage in regular sewer line maintenance and inspections. Having a professional check the sewage lines annually can ensure that everything is functioning properly and prevent a sewer system backup.
About Lodder Brothers Limited
At Lodder Brothers Limited, better plumbing is their guarantee. Their goal is to make sure all customers’ homes are kept in top condition with superior solutions and products. They focus on a customer-first mentality which motivates them to provide the best service possible.
