A sewer backup can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing costly damage and health hazards. It occurs when sewage or wastewater flows back up into a home through the pipes and drains—it’s as bad as it sounds! Understanding the common causes of sewer backups and how to prevent them can help you avoid this unpleasant experience.
Below, the expert team at Easy Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning will give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect—starting with the most common signs of sewer backup.
For all your sewer line inspection, repair, and replacement needs, contact Easy Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today.
Signs of Sewer Backup
It’s essential to know the signs of a sewer line backup so that you can take action quickly, prevent further damage to your home, and avoid even costlier repairs and cleanup. Here are some of the most common signs of a sewer line backup:
Foul odors: If you notice a strong sewage smell in your home, it could be a sign of a sewer backup. This smell is caused by the buildup of sewage in your pipes.
Slow drainage: Slow-draining sinks, showers, and toilets are a common sign of a sewer backup. This is because the sewage is not flowing out of your home as it should be.
Gurgling sounds: Gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilet are another sign of a sewer backup. This is because the sewage is struggling to flow through your pipes, causing air bubbles to form and create the gurgling noise.
Multiple drain backups: If you have multiple drains backing up at the same time, it’s likely that you have a sewer backup.
Sewage backup: The most obvious sign of a sewer backup, of course, is sewage coming out of your drains or toilet. If you notice this, it’s critical that you take action ASAP to prevent further issues and health hazards.
If you experience any of these signs of sewer backup, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber like Easy Rooter right away. We can assess the situation, identify the cause, and take the necessary steps on how to fix your sewer backup, including sewer backup cleanup, which is a vital step for health and safety.
Causes of Sewer Backup
A sewer backup in your basement or another part of your home can be a disorientating experience. Knowing what causes sewer backups can help you be more alert to the signs.
Clogs: One of the most common causes of sewer backups is clogs. This can be caused by flushing items down the toilet that shouldn’t be, such as feminine hygiene products, wipes, and paper towels. Also, pouring cooking oil, grease, and other fatty substances down the drain can lead to clogs.
Tree roots: Another common cause of sewer line backups is tree roots. Tree roots can grow into sewer lines, causing them to become blocked or damaged.
Aging plumbing systems: As plumbing systems age, they become more susceptible to damage and blockages. The pipes can become corroded, cracked, or collapsed, leading to backups.
Heavy rainfall: Heavy rainfall can also cause sewer backups in your basement or other parts of your home. When there is excessive rainfall, the sewer system can become overwhelmed and back up into homes.
No matter the cause, an experienced, licensed plumbing team like Easy Rooter will know how to fix a sewer backup in your basement or any other part of your home. The number one thing you do not want to do is delay calling for help. You’ll want to get a professional team in ASAP to fix the issue and facilitate sewer backup cleanup.
How to Prevent Sewer Backup
So now that you know what causes sewer backups and the signs to look out for, let’s jump into prevention—the key to stopping the headache before it starts!
Dispose of waste the correct way. Proper disposal of waste is critical in preventing sewer backups. Avoid flushing items down the toilet that shouldn’t be, and dispose of cooking oil, grease, and other fatty substances in the trash, rather than pouring them down the drain.
Schedule regular maintenance. Regular maintenance of your sewer lines can help prevent backups. This includes having your system inspected and cleaned by a professional plumber.
Plant trees strategically. Plant trees away from your sewer lines to prevent roots from growing into them.
Install a backwater valve. Installing a backwater valve can help prevent sewer backups. This valve prevents sewage from flowing back into your home by closing off the sewer line during heavy rainfall.
Consider a sewer line replacement. If your sewer line is old and damaged, consider replacing it. This can prevent future backups and save you money in the long run.
If you are unsure about the health of your sewer lines, especially now that you know what causes sewer backups, call Easy Rooter today for an inspection using state-of-the-art equipment. We recommend this as an annual service to avoid issues and the hassle of dealing with costly and hazardous sewer backup cleanup.
Call Easy Rooter for Sewer Line Inspection, Repair & Replacement
With over 15 years of experience, Easy Rooter is a trusted name in sewer line inspection, repair and replacement in the Inland Empire, covering areas such as Riverside County and San Bernardino County.
We understand the importance of having a functioning plumbing system in your home, which is why we are committed to providing top-notch repairs and exceptional customer service—at reasonable prices and in a timely manner. We believe in advanced training and using state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and repair your plumbing issues effectively and efficiently. No matter the scope—from a simple leaky faucet to more a complicated sewer backup—we have you covered.
Contact Easy Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today to schedule an appointment and receive an upfront estimate for sewer line repair and replacement.