What Causes a Sewage Backup in the Basement?
September 13, 2024
A sewage backup, whether in the basement or in one of your home’s second-floor bathrooms, is one of the most troublesome issues you can face as a homeowner. These backups often result in significant damage and pose as serious health hazards due to the presence of raw sewage. In order to properly resolve and prevent backups, you must understand what causes them to occur in the first place.
Several factors contribute to sewage backups, with some of the most common including clogs in the main sewer lines, issues with the municipal sewer system, and physical damage to the sewer pipes. Skagit Plumbing has years of experience resolving complex sewer issues and can help you understand the most common causes of sewage backups. We can even provide preventative measures to keep your sewer lines in top condition!
How Sewer Systems and Lines Contribute to Backups
Your plumbing system is an interconnected network of sewer lines and drain pipes that are designed to properly drain wastewater away from the home to municipal treatment facilities. Unfortunately, problems can occur when these lines are compromised. For instance, old sewer lines can deteriorate, crack, or collapse over time. This is especially the case when the pipes are made from less durable materials. Alternatively, the main sewer line, the primary conduit for all your home’s wastewater, can become blocked due to accumulated debris, such as toilet paper, or from pouring grease down the kitchen sink.
Suffice it to say, an array of issues can cause your sewer system to stop working, but the good news is that a professional plumber from Skagit Plumbing can help you get your system back on track.
Common Causes of Sewage Backups
Here are the top three causes of sewage backups in basements and other places in the home:
- Tree Root Infiltration: Tree roots are naturally attracted to the moisture in sewer lines. They can infiltrate even small cracks in the pipes, gradually growing until they completely block or break the line. This is particularly a problem in areas with older sewer systems, which are already susceptible to breaks. Once the tree root grows large enough, your home’s sewage will have nowhere to go but back up the drain.
- Damaged Sewer Pipes: Besides natural wear and tear, sewer pipes can be damaged by construction, heavy traffic, or natural ground movement. Unfortunately, damaged sewer pipes disrupt normal operation, leading to sewage backups.
- Municipal Sewer Problems: Sometimes, the cause of a sewage backup lies with the public sewer systems themselves. If the municipal sewer system is overwhelmed by heavy rainfall or flooding, it can force sewage back into your home.
Preventing Sewer Backups
Preventing sewage backups involves several proactive measures:
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your sewer line cleanout to prevent blockages. Techniques such as hydro jetting can clear away buildup and debris, keeping the pipes clear.
- Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain: One should never pour grease down kitchen drains as it solidifies within the sewer pipes, accumulating over time and causing blockages.
- Proper Disposal of Paper Products: Toilet paper is designed to dissolve, but other paper products are not. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper to prevent unnecessary clogs.
- Tree Maintenance: Reduce the risk of tree root infiltration by investing in routine landscaping services. Be sure to keep trees with aggressive root systems away from your sewer lines and remove problematic trees altogether.
Professional Solutions With Skagit Plumbing
If you’re dealing with a sewage backup or suspect your sewer lines may be at risk, professional intervention is often necessary. At Skagit Plumbing, we can conduct a video sewer inspection to diagnose the exact nature and location of the problem and then provide expert repairs or replacements as needed. Our experienced cleaners and plumbers are equipped to handle everything from simple clogs to complex sewer repairs and replacements. Trust our team to keep your system functioning smoothly.
Contact Skagit Plumbing to Resolve Sewer Backups
Dealing with a sewage backup in your basement can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Contact Skagit Plumbing today for reliable and professional cleaning and plumbing services in Mount Vernon, WA, and the surrounding areas. We’ll help you restore your sewer system to optimal condition, offering you peace of mind and a healthier, cleaner home.