Top 10 Causes of Sewage Backups in Homes and How to Prevent Them

Sewage backups are a homeowner’s nightmare, causing extensive damage and potential health hazards. To help you stay proactive, here are the Top 10 Causes Of Sewage Backups, along with practical tips to prevent them and keep your home safe.

1. Aging or Damaged Sewer Lines

What Happens: Old clay or metal pipes crack, corrode, or collapse.

Why It Matters: Deteriorated pipes can result in constant backups and structural damage.

Prevention: Replace old pipes with modern, durable materials like PVC.

2. Tree Root Intrusion

What Happens: Roots grow into sewer lines, causing cracks and blockages.

Why It Matters: Root damage can disrupt the entire sewer system, requiring costly repairs.

Prevention: Schedule routine inspections, especially if trees are near sewer lines, and consider root barriers.

3. Clogs in Your Pipes

What Happens: Grease, hair, and debris accumulate, restricting water flow.

Why It Matters: Blockages can lead to water backing up into your sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Prevention: Avoid pouring grease down drains, use hair catchers, and regularly clean pipes.

4. Heavy Rainfall or Flooding

What Happens: Excess water overwhelms municipal sewer systems, forcing water back into homes.

Why It Matters: Backflows can introduce contaminants, creating health risks. Prevention: Install sump pumps or backflow prevention devices to protect your property.

5. Blocked Sewer Main

What Happens: A municipal sewer line blockage causes backups in connected homes.

Why It Matters: Homeowners may experience extensive damage they can’t control.

Prevention: Report unusual smells or slow drains to local authorities immediately.

6. Improperly Disposed Items

What Happens: Items like “flushable” wipes, hygiene products, and diapers clog pipes.

Why It Matters: Non-degradable materials block water flow, leading to backups.

Prevention: Dispose of such items in the trash and educate household members on proper disposal.

7. Broken or Collapsed Sewer Lines

What Happens: Ground movement or aging causes pipe breaks, leading to leaks or blockages.

Why It Matters: Broken pipes can lead to sewage escaping underground, harming the environment.

Prevention: Conduct regular inspections and address slow drainage promptly.

8. Inadequate Slope of Sewer Lines

What Happens: Sewer lines improperly installed with little slope impede waste flow. Why It Matters: Sluggish water movement increases the risk of blockages and backups.

Prevention: Ensure professional installation and proper grading of sewer lines.

9. Municipal Sewer System Problems

What Happens: System-wide failures in public sewer infrastructure lead to widespread backups.

Why It Matters: Community-wide backups can cause significant damage to multiple properties.

Prevention: Advocate for municipal upgrades and stay informed about local sewer maintenance.

10. Grease Buildup

What Happens: Cooking fats solidify in pipes, obstructing the flow of wastewater.

Why It Matters: Over time, grease blockages can become severe, requiring extensive cleaning .

Prevention: Use grease traps, and dispose of cooking oils in sealed containers rather than drains.

How Clean Way Restoration Can Help

At Clean Way Restoration, we provide comprehensive services to address sewage backups, including:

• Emergency Water Extraction: Quickly remove water to limit damage.

• Thorough Sanitization: Eliminate harmful bacteria and odors.

• Damage Repair: Restore affected areas to their original condition.

• Insurance Coordination: Assist with claims for a stress-free process.

  
  

Contact us today to protect your home and health from sewage-related issues!