Most of us give little thought to our sewers unless something goes wrong. When you run a tap or flush a toilet, you may simply walk away and assume that the wastewater will properly drain in next to no time. Unfortunately, you may only notice a problem if the water isn’t draining or your toilet is not behaving. When this happens, you may start to wonder if your sewer line is backed up.
The main function of a sewer line is to facilitate wastewater draining away from homes and towards a treatment plant or septic system. But this type of system is actually quite complex. The sewer system is a vital part of urban infrastructure, maintaining a safe and healthy environment in the neighborhood. By effectively carrying away wastewater and debris, the sewer lines keep the area secure from flooding and reduce the risk of spreading waterborne diseases. This makes it all the more concerning if you find that you have a sewer backup inside your home. So, in this article, we’ll explore the subject of sewer backups in more detail so that you can be prepared in the event of a problem.
Why You Can Get a Sewer Back Up:
Since they perform their function admirably most of the time, it can be a little perturbing when a sewer line backs up, but there are several common reasons why this can happen.
Clogs:
The most common reason for a backup is a clog in the main sewer line or drain pipes. While plumbing pipework is quite resilient, it is only designed to carry wastewater, human waste, and toilet paper. This means that any other materials have the potential to cause a clog.
The most common forms of clogs from kitchen fixtures are grease, fat, and oils. Some homeowners assume that running the hot water while pouring grease or oil down the drain prevents it from clogging the drain. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Eventually, the grease or oil will cool and solidify, which can cause a sticky substance to coat the inside of the pipe. This may then attract other debris that can build up to form a clog.
Bathroom fixture drains are also not immune from clogs, as hair, soap scum, sanitary products, and even “flushable” wipes can accumulate inside the drain lines.
If the sump pump in your basement fails, you may even get a clog in your drain or sewer line.
Tree Roots:
If you have trees in your yard or near your property, they can have extensive root systems that are continually seeking out moisture and nutrients. If a sewer line has even a tiny hairline crack, the small water leak may draw tree roots toward it. After the tree root reaches the pipe, it will continue to grow and may cause that tiny hole to grow bigger, or the root may grow around the pipe, causing the pipe’s structural integrity to be compromised.
Root intrusion is a common cause of sewer line damage, and it can be tricky to notice as the root may seal up the hole in the pipe. This means that you may not see any signs of water damage in your yard, but the roots will continue to grow until they gradually block the entire internal diameter of the pipe, preventing proper water flow.
Heavy Rainfall:
If your area receives an unseasonable amount of rainfall, it can cause sewer backups in the neighborhood. When an area gets large amounts of rain, municipal sewer systems may reach their maximum capacity, leaving the excess water nowhere to go. Once the flood forms in the sewer system, the excess water can travel back through the residential sewer pipe systems connected to nearby homes.
You may start to notice water backflow in basement floor drains or fixtures inside your home. This indicates a sewage backup in the main sewer line connected to your home.
Cracked or Damaged Pipes:
Not all sewer pipes are the same, and the type of pipe used on your property usually relates to the era when your home was built. Cast iron pipes are standard in older homes, and while this material is strong, it is vulnerable to corrosion. When a cast iron pipe reaches the end of its useful lifespan, it can start to crack, causing leaks underground and potential sewer back-ups.
Clay pipes are also quite common in older homes. While they can last a long time, they are susceptible to tree root intrusion. Clay does not offer a reliable seal against water, so it can attract roots, particularly if there are minuscule leaks.
After the Second World War, Orangeburg pipes were the material of choice when building new homes. These pipes were used because metal was in short supply, and they offered a lightweight, versatile design. Unfortunately, these pipes are quite brittle, making them more susceptible to sewer backups. Orangeburg pipes stopped being used in the 1970s, but if your home was built between 1945 and the early 1970s, you may have Orangeburg piping that should be replaced.
Whether you have cast iron, clay, or even Orangeburg pipes, a cracked pipe can trigger a sewer backup. When the pipe is broken, the wastewater will no longer appropriately flow, compromising the plumbing system.
Even if you have PVC or ABS pipes, you may not be fully protected against a sewer backup caused by a damaged pipe. Over time, pipes can shift, particularly if there is heavy traffic on the road above or there is construction work nearby. If the pipe shifts, it may start to bend. This can allow debris to accumulate at the new angle, which can block the pipe.
If this occurs, you will need to have the damaged section of pipe repaired or replaced to address the underlying cause of the sewer backup.
Signs of a Sewer Pipe Back-Up:
Fortunately, sewer pipe backups rarely appear overnight. These problems begin as a minor issue that develops over time. This allows observant homeowners to identify a potential problem and take action before it develops into a major and messy sewer backup. Generally, the quicker you identify a sewer pipe issue, the quicker it can be fixed. There are several signs to watch out for. These include:
Multiple Clogged Drains:
If you have one clogged drain in your home, it is very likely that this is an issue with the specific fixture. You may be able to clear the trap under your kitchen sink or snake your shower drain and immediately resolve the issue. But, if you have clogged multiple drains in your home, you have a deeper problem. When there are two or more clogged drains in your home, you will likely have a sewer line clog, and you will need to call a professional plumber to trace the location of the clog and provide a resolution. This may involve having a video camera run through the line so the plumber can see the location and extent of the problem.
Bubbles:
When a drain is clogged, air can become trapped as water tries to flow past the blockage. This can seem odd, but it should not be ignored. If you see bubbles when a sink is draining, or you flush a toilet, you need to be aware that a serious issue could be developing.
Non-Flushing Toilets:
Another common sign of a sewer backup is toilet issues inside homes. If your toilet is not flushing as it should, and the problem cannot be resolved with plunging, it could be a sign of a sewer backup. Again, if this issue affects more than one toilet in your home, it is even more likely to be a more severe problem.
Water Backflow:
The final major sign you have a sewer backup is if there is water backflow. You could have a sewer backup if you use a drain with a gurgle in an unrelated drain. For example, if you’re running your shower and hear gurgling in the bathroom sink, the water is not flowing properly in the drain, and you are trying to find an alternative way out of your home.
No one enjoys the prospect of a sewer backup affecting their home, but remember that identifying an issue early minimizes the risk of damage to your home. While it may be tempting to ignore odd noises or irregular drain activity, you are putting your home at risk of raw sewage flowing back into your home when the sewer line issue becomes a significant problem. So, if you suspect a problem, err on the side of caution and call in a professional plumber for help.
