Sewer System Backups

Common Causes of Sewer Line Backups

A variety of factors can cause sewer line backups. No matter the cause, cleaning up after a sewer backup can be complex and costly, requiring professional help. Maintaining your sewer lines properly and promptly addressing potential issues to prevent blockages is essential.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are among the most common culprits behind sewer line backups. They can infiltrate sewer pipes in search of water, especially during dry periods, and over time, these roots can grow and create blockages that prevent wastewater from flowing freely.

Grease and Fat

Pouring grease, fat, or oil down drains is another leading cause of sewer backups. These substances can solidify and accumulate in the pipes, causing significant blockages.

Old or Damaged Sewer Lines

The sewer lines in older homes or neighborhoods may be made of clay or other materials that can crack or collapse over time. Any damage to these lines can lead to obstructions and subsequent backups.

Foreign Objects

Flushing inappropriate items down toilets, such as diapers, wipes (even those labeled as 'flushable'), feminine hygiene products, or excessive amounts of toilet paper, can cause blockages in the sewer lines.

Structural Defects

Structural defects like pipe misalignment, pipe collapses, or bellied pipes (where a section of the pipe has sunk due to ground or soil conditions) can all lead to sewer line backups.

Each of these causes underscores the importance of regular maintenance and proper use of your home's plumbing system to prevent costly and disruptive sewer line backups. However, if you encounter a sewer line backup, don’t hesitate to get professional help from our team immediately.

Your Trusted Grand Rapids Plumbing and Drain Company

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Grand Rapids is proud to be a trusted and licensed plumbing service provider in Wyoming, Kent City, and the surrounding areas. We are known for our upfront pricing and round-the-clock service, making us a reliable choice for any plumbing emergencies you may encounter.

We employ several effective methods to resolve sewer line backups, such as utilizing video cameras to locate the source of the problem accurately. This high-tech approach ensures we can diagnose the blockage without resorting to invasive methods. We also use HydroScrub^® Jetting technology, which uses high-pressure water to break apart obstructions and thoroughly clean your pipes, restoring them to near-original capacity.

Our team of experts also recommends not using drains as all-purpose disposal sites, which can help avoid unnecessary backups and sewer line repairs.

Don't let plumbing issues disrupt your life! Request a job estimate today to schedule a service. We're available 24/7 for plumbing repairs.