A sewer backup is easily one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a property owner can face. When wastewater reverses course and enters your home or business, it brings foul odors, potential health hazards, and the risk of severe property damage. Fortunately, understanding the common causes of sewer backups can help you prevent a messy disaster before it starts. In this guide, we will explore the primary culprits behind major sewer blockages, how to recognize the early warning signs, and what you can do to keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.
Everyday Clogs and Improper Disposal
The most frequent culprits behind a clogged sewer line are the everyday items we put down our drains. Over time, seemingly harmless debris can accumulate and restrict the flow of wastewater.
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)
In the kitchen, pouring cooking grease down the sink is a major mistake. Grease might go down as a liquid, but it rapidly cools and hardens inside your pipes. This sticky residue acts like a trap, catching food particles and hair until a solid blockage forms. Always dispose of cooking oils in a sealed trash container instead of the drain.
“Flushable” Wipes and Paper Products
In the bathroom, the toilet is often treated like a trash can. Products labeled as “flushable wipes” are a leading cause of severe pipe blockages. Unlike standard toilet paper, these wipes do not dissolve quickly in water. They easily snag on the rough interior walls of older pipes, creating massive clogs. Paper towels, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, and cotton swabs should also go straight into the wastebasket.
Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines
If you have large, beautiful trees on your property, their underground root systems could be a hidden threat to your plumbing. Tree root intrusion is one of the leading common causes of sewer backups, especially in older neighborhoods throughout Delaware County.
How Roots Infiltrate Pipes
Tree roots naturally grow toward sources of moisture and nutrients. Your sewer line is the perfect target. Even a microscopic crack or a loose joint in an older clay or cast-iron pipe releases water vapor. Roots detect this vapor, grow into the tiny openings, and expand as they drink the wastewater.
The Damage Tree Roots Cause
Once inside, roots act like a dense net that catches grease, toilet paper, and other debris. If left untreated, the expanding roots can apply enough pressure to completely crush or collapse the pipe. At Delco Storm & Sewer Services, we highly recommend scheduling a professional sewer camera inspection if you notice slow drains or gurgling noises. This allows us to locate and remove tree roots before they cause a full backup.
Aging Pipes and Heavy Rainfall
Sometimes, a sewer backup is not caused by anything you put down the drain, but rather by environmental factors and aging infrastructure.
Damaged or Collapsed Sewer Lines
Sewer lines are not immune to the passage of time. Older pipes can deteriorate, rust, or become brittle. Shifting soil, extreme temperature changes, and general wear and tear can cause sections of the pipe to sag, creating a “belly” where standing water and waste accumulate. Eventually, a sagging or collapsed pipe will completely block wastewater from reaching the municipal sewer main.
Municipal System Overloads
During periods of heavy rainfall, municipal storm and sanitary sewer systems can become overwhelmed with excess water. When the public main cannot handle the sheer volume of water, the excess pressure can push wastewater backward through your lateral line and into your home. This typically manifests as foul-smelling water pooling around basement floor drains. Ensuring your gutters and sump pumps are properly routed away from the sanitary sewer system can help mitigate this risk.
Call Delco Storm & Sewer Services Today
If you are experiencing slow drains, bad odors, or a full-blown sewer backup, do not wait for the problem to get worse. The expert team at Delco Storm & Sewer Services is here to help homeowners and businesses throughout Lansdowne, PA, and the surrounding Delaware County areas. We utilize advanced equipment to quickly diagnose and resolve even the toughest blockages. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or request emergency service. Let us restore your peace of mind and keep your plumbing system running perfectly.