Common Causes Of Sewer Line Backups

Having a clogged sink or tub drain is frustrating. You know that it will only worsen until you remove the clog, but that is not always an easy process. But when you discover that all of the drains in your home are clearing slowly, you begin to worry. This is a clear indication that you have an issue with your sewer line. And it is not only your sink and tub drains that are affected. Your toilets also use this essential pipe to get waste out of your home. Now the pressure is on to find a solution before you have raw sewage backing up into your home.

The only reliable solution for a clogged sewer line is a professional drain cleaning from a reputable, licensed plumber. This process uses nothing but pure water at a very high pressure to blast away clogs, and the residue build up inside your drain pipes and sewer line. A professional drain cleaning is also the only process that is guaranteed safe for your drain and sewer pipes because it uses no caustic chemicals. And with no chemicals, you are never left with a house full of awful fumes. But once the process is completed, it is crucial for you to know what causes these clogs so that you can avoid problems in the future.

Common Household Drain Clogs

Your household drains handle a lot of nasty grime and gook. But that is the nature of their job. You need to understand that there are ways to reduce the potential for drain clogs, nasty floods in your home, and costly water damage and contamination. By keeping a few hazardous items from washing down your drains, you can drastically reduce the potential for clogs and floods. Some of the most common reasons for clogs include:

• Food waste should never be in your drains. Even if you have a garbage disposal, it will not eliminate the potential for nasty clogs from food bits and particles. These tiny pieces become lodged in the residue coating the inside of all drain pipes, and a clog is born. The residue builds up over time due to the oils and grease that get washed down the drains. The residue always happens, but it is not as concerning and will not completely clog your drain lines without food bits.
• Hair is another nemesis of your home’s drains. It gets washed down the sink and tub drains only to create tangles and wads at pipe fittings and in long sections of your drains. The sticky residue mixed with an abundance of hair is a recipe for a tough drain clog. Placing a small mesh drain cover in your sinks and tubs is the best way to eliminate the potentially costly issue.
• Feminine hygiene products should never find their way into your drains. These products, along with diapers and all types of moist wipes, will never disintegrate and are sure to be the cause of your next drain and sewer line clog.

Outside Clogs

The most common cause of sewer line issues outside your home is damage to the pipe itself. The damage could be caused by an errant shovel hitting the pipe, an aggressive tree root growing around the line and crushing it, or even shifting in the soil around the pipe. The best way to avoid this issue is to know the location of your sewer line and avoid any digging in the area. It is also important to avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems in the general area of the pipe to prevent damage in the future.

When you discover an issue with your home’s sewer line, it is essential to know that there are no DIY fixes. The only reliable solution is a call to (706) 303-0987 for a professional drain and sewer line cleaning and inspection from the pros at Drain Surgeon.