If you are a homeowner, then you know that there are all sorts of things that can go wrong. One of the worst things that can happen is a sewer backup. A sewer backup can cause massive damage to your home and it is something that you want to avoid.

Digging Deeper into What Sewer Backup Is

A sewer backup is when the water that is supposed to go down the drain backs up into your home. This can happen for several reasons, but it often has to do with a blockage in the sewer line. If the sewer line becomes blocked, then the water has nowhere to go but back up into your home.

This can cause a lot of damage to your home, and it can be very costly to repair. It is important to take steps to prevent a sewer backup from happening in the first place.

What Causes Sewer Backups?

Several things can cause a sewer backup. One of the most common causes is tree roots. Tree roots can grow into the sewer line and block it. This is more likely to happen if there are cracks or breaks in the sewer line. Over time, tree roots will continue to grow and they will eventually block the entire sewer line.

Another common cause of sewer backups is grease build-up. When you cook, the grease from your food can go down the drain. Over time, this grease will build up on the walls of the sewer line. Eventually, the grease will harden and it will block the sewer line.

Still another cause of sewer backups is objected that are flushed down the toilet. Things like diapers, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. These items can cause a blockage in the sewer line.

Taking Steps to Prevent Sewer Backups

Now that you know what causes sewer backups, you can take steps to prevent them from happening.

Regular Sewer Inspections and Maintenance

One of the best things that you can do is have your sewer line inspected regularly by a professional. They will be able to identify any potential problems and fix them before they cause a backup. Additionally, regular checkups can prevent small issues in your sewer system from turning into massive problems. You'll be able to address any sewer issue at its earlier stages with regular inspections.

Avoid Flushing Foreign Objects in The Toilet

Small toys, sanitary napkins, and soap residue are unfortunately flushed down the toilet. Make it a practice to only flush toilet paper and human waste. Do not flush anything else down the toilet.

Avoid Putting Grease Down the Drain

When you are finished cooking, wipe the grease off of your pots and pans with a paper towel. Throw the paper towel in the trash instead of down the drain. Flushing them down the drain can cause buildup and will eventually lead to blockages in your sewers.

Damaged Sewer Pipes

A blockage in the sewer line or damaged, broken or even collapsed sewer pipes may be a cause of sewage backups. Under your pipes, soil movement or a lack of adequate ground support can harm you. Any one of these problems will result in significant problems for your home's sewage system.

Issues like these can affect any property, but they are more common in older homes. Clay or cast iron pipes are commonly used in older properties, and because of this, they don't last as long as HDPE piping.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a common cause of sewer blockages. Trees and other plants seek the nutrients and water that are present in your sewer line. When tree roots can reach into your pipes, they tend to expand and form obstructions inside them.

Tree roots are often the cause of tree root blockages in older homes. Regardless of how little these fractures appear to be, trees or other plant roots can use them to penetrate your property. Furthermore, because clay pipes have such a porous surface, even if there is no damage, tree roots may grow on them and cause problems in the future.

Saving Your Sewers

By taking these steps, you can prevent a sewer backup from happening to your home. If a backup does occur, however, you should call a professional to deal with it. Sewer backups can cause a lot of damage to your home, and they can be very costly to repair.

A sewer backup is a nightmare for any homeowner. It can cause extensive damage to your home and it is very costly to fix. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to prevent a sewer backup from happening. Using enzyme drain cleaners or simply being more cautious on what you flush down your drain can help save your sewers. By being proactive and taking some simple precautions, you can avoid this problem altogether.