Few things can dampen the serenity of owning a home, like the sudden and odiferous surprise of a backed-up sewer line. It’s the kind of home-related catastrophe that sends shivers down a homeowner’s spine and has you rushing for the nearest air freshener. In this short but illuminating read, we’ll shine a light on the lurking yet common reasons your home’s sewer line backs up and who to call when trouble surfaces.
The Roots of the Problem
Have you ever wondered how something as massive as a tree can cause a hassle as close-knit and unseen as a sewer line backup? Well, greenery isn’t just about leaves and sunlight—it’s also about roots. When thirsty roots seek out water, they’re not picky about where they find it.
The comprehensive network of a tree’s root system can make its way into small fissures or even form cracks in old pipes, which leads to an unwanted arboreal plumbing system right inside your sewer line. These invasive entities are a leading cause of plumbing problems and create a barrier to waste flow, potentially causing extensive damage to residential sewer lines.
A Flicker of Fat and Flotsam
If you thought your used grease could just slide down the drain, think again. Fat and debris might start their merry trip with you at the kitchen sink, but they soon join forces with other items like hair, paper, and anything else non-toilet-related that slips past the filter of your drain. This coagulation, lovingly known as a “fatberg,” blocks your sewer line completely and results in a backup as well as damage to your home’s plumbing or, worse, the local municipal system.
The Aging Problem
Time is no friend to sewer lines, especially when they run beneath the foundations of aging homes. Old pipes suffer from corrosion and decay, which weakens their ability to transport waste efficiently. The result? Clogs and backups become more frequent and create a worrisome cascade of property damage and health hazards that end up costing you more than a few bucks.
Sewer line backups are messy and impact your daily life and your property’s health. With the right knowledge of these common reasons and a little maintenance, you can prevent your home’s sewer line from backing up and keep your home and surroundings safe from unchartered water. Remember, what you do above ground can have serious implications below.
