Why Your Sewer Line Keeps Backing Up and How to Fix It?
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One of the worst and most disruptive plumbing problems is a sewer line backup. When wastewater has no outlet left, water starts backing up into showers, sinks, toilets, and drains, requiring immediate action to prevent costly damage and health risks. A single clogged drain doesn't cause it; if your sewer line keeps backing up, it’s a deeper issue.
What you need is to understand why backups happen and when to seek professional sewer drain cleaning to avoid emergency repairs, property damage, and repeated frustration. This guide talks about the causes of clogged drains, warning signs, and effective solutions.
Read on!
Common Reasons Your Sewer Line Keeps Backing Up
Check out the common reasons for sewer backups:
Accumulation of Grease, Hair, and Debris
Drain pipes not only let water out but also handle grease, debris, and other everyday materials that accumulate inside the pipes. Grease hardens along the pipe walls, hair tangles, and soap residue sticks to everything. Over time, these materials restrict water flow and eventually cause blockages that affect the entire sewer system.
It is quite common in bathrooms and kitchens and requires frequent cleaning and unclogging to keep drains working.
Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Pipes
Tree roots seek moisture and invade sewer pipes. They cause small cracks, get inside the pipes, and expand, which traps waste, paper, and debris. Root intrusion is a major reason homeowners need mainline drain cleaning rather than simple surface-level fixes.
Broken, Collapsed, or Misaligned Sewer Pipes
If your home has old sewer lines, made of clay or cast iron, they break, corrode, and collapse over time. Soil movement, freezing temperatures, or heavy traffic above the line can cause misalignment, preventing waste from flowing properly.
Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Despite clear labels, many items can enter your plumbing system, including wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and excessive toilet paper. They do not break down easily and cause sewer clogs.
Poor Drainage System Design
It is a plumbing issue. Improper pipe slope, undersized pipes, or outdated systems struggle to handle modern water usage. When drainage design is inefficient, backups become recurring problems rather than one-time issues.
Read More: Top 7 Signs You Need a Plumber
Warning Signs You Need Immediate Sewer Drain Cleaning
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call for drain clearing service:
Slow Drains Throughout the Home
If multiple lines around the home are backing up or slowing down, it’s a sign that your main sewer line is backed up.
Gurgling Sounds from Toilets or Sinks
Air trapped in blocked pipes causes gurgling noises, especially after flushing or running water.
Water Backflow in Bathtubs and Showers
Water rising in tubs or showers when other fixtures are in use is a sign that the sewer is backed up.
Sewage Smell Coming from Plumbing Fixtures
A clean sewage line doesn’t smell. So, if you smell unpleasant odors from drains, it means there is trapped waste and sewer line blockages.
Frequent Need to Unclog Shower Drain or Bathroom Sinks
Do you often need to unclog bathroom sinks or drains? It is a sign that the blockage extends beyond the fixture itself.
How to Fix a Backed-Up Sewer Line?
There are two approaches to dealing with a backed-up sewer line, which are discussed below:
DIY Solutions for Minor Drain Clogs
Here are DIY solutions fit for minor problems:
- Plungers for localized blockages
- Hot water to break down grease
- Baking soda and vinegar for light buildup
Surface-level clogs can be resolved with these solutions.
Professional Sewer and Drain Cleaning Techniques
There are multiple professional solutions that you need when the problem is associated with the main line:
Hydro Jetting: Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away grease, roots, and debris from the inside of pipes. It is highly effective for severe buildup and long pipe runs.
Drain Snaking & Augering: Drain snaking is a great way to break apart clogs and pull debris from pipes. This method is used when roots or solid blockages are present.
Video Camera Sewer Inspections: When digging isn’t possible, cameras are used to locate blockages, clogs, or collapsed sections. It ensures that the right solution is applied the first time.
When to Call Drain Cleaning Near You?
Browse for “drain cleaning near me” in the following cases:
- Sewage is backing up into fixtures
- Multiple drains are overflowing
- Water is pooling around the floor drains
- You notice strong sewage odors
These signs shouldn’t be overlooked, as they pose health risks and can lead to excessive flooding. Call Garot Plumbing & Heating immediately.
Preventing Future Sewer Line Backups
Prevention is always less expensive than emergency repairs. Here is what helps:
- Routine Sewer Drain Cleaning Maintenance: It ensures that sewer drains are cleared regularly to prevent future blockages.
- Installing Drain Strainers & Hair Catchers: Strainers help prevent hair, food, and debris from entering drains, reducing the need to unclog shower drain lines.
- Avoid Grease and Non-Flushable: Do not drain grease down the drain. Don’t flush toilet paper, or wet wipes, even if they are labelled flushable.
- Regular Professional Inspections: Annual inspections identify potential issues early, preventing emergency cleaning.
- Landscaping Tips to Prevent Root Damage: Plant trees at a safe distance from sewer lines, or, better yet, install root barriers. It will reduce the need for outdoor drain cleaning caused by root intrusion.
Cost Breakdown: Sewer & Drain Cleaning Services Explained
The cost of drain clearing service depends on several factors:
- Severity of the blockage
- Location of the clog
- Length and condition of the pipe
- Cleaning method used
- Emergency or scheduled service
Want to save money on emergency repairs or pipe replacement? Schedule annual maintenance and inspection so problems can be located early and fixed before they escalate.
Conclusion
Frequent sewer line backups aren’t normal. While you can fix minor issues such as a clogged drain, you need professional sewer drain cleaning if the main line is backed up.
You need to contact Garot Plumbing & Heating to fix the problem. We have been serving the area for over 70 years and offer sewer and main line drain cleaning, as well as emergency drain clearing.
Contact us to protect your plumbing system and prevent property damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule sewer drain cleaning?
Scheduling sewer drain cleaning every 1-2 years keeps the drains unclogged and working smoothly.
What are the signs that my sewer line is severely clogged?
You will see multiple slow drains, gurgling sounds, water backing up, and unpleasant odor around the drains.
Can I unclog a shower drain or bathroom sink myself?
Yes, you can unclog minor clogs with plungers or a vinegar-and-soda solution, but severe clogs require professional cleaning.
When should I call for emergency drain cleaning near me?
Call Garot Plumbing & Heating immediately if sewage backs up, drains overflow, or strong odors appear suddenly.
What is the most effective professional sewer and drain cleaning method?
Hydro jetting is the most effective method for removing heavy buildup, grease, and roots.
