Clogged drains are common problems that can lead to even bigger plumbing emergencies. From running toilets to standing water in a bathtub, these are all instances that point homeowners towards the need for a visit from a local plumber.
While most clogged drains are minor issues that can be resolved with a snake, sometimes the clog stems from a home’s sewer line. You may be wondering how the sewer line itself gets clogged. Unfortunately, it’s much easier than you think.
Severe Pipe Damage
As much as we’d like sewer pipes to be invulnerable, they aren’t. Even the deepest sewer line on your property runs the risk of suffering severe pipe damage. This damage is usually a ruptured or broken pipe. When this happens, the sewage has nowhere to go and therefore, causes a clogged line.
Sewer pipes are usually ruptured by:
- Shifting soil
- Heavy foot traffic in the area
- Construction equipment
Tree Root Obstruction
One of the most common culprits of a sewer line clog is tree root obstruction. As we’ve mentioned before, tree roots are very powerful and are instinctively attracted to even the smallest leak in a sewer line. Once the roots of your trees or bushes make their way into your system, a clog and emergency sewer line repair are definitely in your future.
Misuse of Your Toilet
Remember, your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing down items irresponsibly will ultimately lead to an extremely clogged sewer line. It’s important for any homeowner to have a clear understanding of what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet.
Some of the main items that can cause severe backup include:
- Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Makeup Remover Wipes
- Cotton Balls
- Feminine Products
- Old medications, and much more!
Grease Down the Drain
Even though plumbers throughout the history of the industry have said that grease clogs up drains, people still pour down the hot liquid after preparing a meal. The issue with cooking grease is that it goes down the pipes smooth, but then solidifies and creates some very difficult clogs. Avoid an annoying sewer line clog by letting your grease harden in a container and then scraping out the hard grease in the trash can.
When to Call A Local Plumber
One of the main signs that it’s time to reach out to a professional plumber is if you have a drain that continues to get clogged up even after going through DIY clearing-out methods. Constant clogs are a red flag that there is something wrong with your sewer line. Other signs of problems include:
- Odors coming from your drains
- Inconsistent wet patches on your lawn
- Rodent infestations
Plumbing Dynamics Diagnoses and Fixes Your Sewer Line Problems
Don’t let a clogged sewer line put your home at risk of standing dirty water, or worse, foundation damage. The professional plumbers at Plumbing Dynamics specialize in sewer line problems and other emergency plumbing situations. If you have a plumbing issue that needs to be resolved, reach out to us today to find out more about our services in your area.
