Almost every homeowner has experienced the frustration of a clogged or slow running drain. Although a single clog can be annoying, it is usually fairly simple to fix, but if all your drains are clogged at the same time, it is likely to be a significant
sewer drain clog. This type of problem can happen for a number of reasons, but here are the five most common.
1. Tree Root Intrusion:
If you have trees in your yard, you may have noticed how much they have grown over the years, but you may not realize how large its roots may have grown. In periods of little rainfall, these tree roots will begin to seek out water. This can lead to the roots intruding into your pipes, causing a clog. This can be particularly problematic, as the roots continue to grow and can cause the line to break.
2. Flushing Inappropriate Materials:
Many homeowners are guilty of treating their toilet and sink like a trashcan. Toilets are only designed to flush away toilet paper and human waste. This means that baby wipes, diapers, feminine products or even “flushable” cleaning wipes can cause serious damage and clog up your sewer line. Remember that unless it is toilet paper, you should throw any other materials in the garbage.
3. Food Waste:
Another area often treated as a trashcan is the garbage disposal. While your disposal can cope with particles of food matter, if you are throwing greasy or starchy foods down the garbage disposal, it can quickly start to accumulate in your drains. Be sure to scrape your plates before putting them into the sink and consider investing in a sink strainer to prevent any food particles from escaping down the drain.
4. Your Sewer Line is Sagging:
Unfortunately, not every reason for a sewer line clog is within a homeowner’s control. Another common reason which is beyond your control is when your sewer line starts to sag. Over time the line can start to sag, particularly if your property and pipes are old. When your sewer line starts to sag, waste cannot properly flow out of your home, and a clog can develop.
5. Accumulation of Debris:
Your sewer line can also be compromised by an accumulation of debris. Leaves, clay, mud, grass and other garden debris can enter the sewer line, causing a clog or even a break. You can mitigate this a little by keeping your property clear of fallen leaves and other debris.
A sewer line clog can cause a number of problems, including a backflow of wastewater and unpleasant smells, so it is important that it is addressed as quickly as possible. If you notice that distinct sewer smell in your yard, basement or bathroom, it is likely that there is a sewer line repair issue. A
professional plumber will be able to assess your plumbing system and check for signs of damage or blockage inside your sewer lines. This type of problem is not likely to correct itself, so it is important that it is attended to before any further problems develop.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
