Sewage Backup: What Are The Main Causes?
Few things are more problematic for a homeowner than a backed-up sewer problem. Sadly, there are some issues that can easily cause a clog in your home's plumbing system that will result in a backup of wastewater inside your home. Here are some of the most common problems that can clog your plumbing and cause a sewage backup in your house.
Flushing Improperly
One of the biggest problems for plumbing is flushing items down the toilet that should not be. In general, the only thing you should ever flush is toilet tissue. If you flush other items, they can eventually gather and severely clog your entire plumbing system. You should never use paper towels in the toilet. You should also not flush feminine hygiene products. Instead, dispose of these items in your regular trash can. In addition to potentially clogging your plumbing, these items do not break down easily and can take up space in your sewer system.
Tree Root Growth
Homes that have trees planted nearby may eventually notice a problem with their plumbing. The reason for this is tree roots. As a tree grows near the pipes underground that lead to your main sewer line, the roots can begin to encroach into the pipes, causing them to break. When this happens, the roots partially or totally block the path for the solids in your waste system. These items will continue to back up and eventually clog the plumbing because nothing can get through. If you have any trees planted near your sewer lines, you may want to consider having them removed to help prevent a major problem later on.
Old Plumbing
If you live in an older home, you may suffer a major sewer backup simply because your plumbing is older. Older plumbing can eventually break and collapse on itself, preventing anything from getting through the piping system. You may also live in a home that used materials that are now considered outdated. Previous standards required a grade of pipe that is not as strong as what is required today. Very old homes may even have pipes made from iron or clay. These materials will eventually break. In this instance, you need to have all of the piping replaced to not only bring it up to code but to also prevent a disastrous sewage backup.
If you begin to notice anything off about your home's plumbing, such as bubbling water coming from your toilets or water backing up into your tub or shower drain, you need to call a plumber right away before the problem gets worse. Contact a company like Bud's Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric to learn more about caring for your plumbing system.