What Causes Sewer Backups?

For many people, their sewer pipes are out of sight and usually out of mind, until they stop working. Your plumbing system works hard, handling each drop of water that flows through the faucets in our home.

There are a few common ways sewer backups can occur. In some cases, sewer pipes sustain damage caused by outside elements, fail due to age or can becomes clogged due to various household products or misuse. It is essential to understand how these clogs occur and when to call a professional to resolve the problem to avoid further damage to your sewer system.

Sewer Backups and What Causes Them

Commercial, residential, and municipal sewer backups can occur due to a variety of factors. Common reasons for a sewer backup include:

Clogs. Toilet paper, soap scum, hair, and grease are common causes of residential sewer backups. These clogs can be prevented by regularly maintaining your plumbing and avoid using your drains like a trash bin.
Collapsed Pipes. As pipes age, they break down and are more likely to collapse or crack. When the pipe fails, it can cause a sewer back up to occur.
Tree Roots. As a tree grows, their roots can end up penetrating the sewer lines located under your lawn and cause a clog.

Professional Sewer Repair Services in Pittsburgh

When a sewer backup is affecting more than one toilet or sink, it may mean there is something wrong with the main sewer line, so it is essential to contact the professionals at Affordable Sanitation to handle the issue.

We provide a variety of comprehensive septic services to our residential, commercial, and municipal clients, including but not limited to sewer line inspection and repair, clogged drain repair, and trenchless sewer repair services. Contact Affordable Sanitation today to ensure your sewer line is maintained and repaired correctly.

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