There are a few things that can cause more inconvenience and send homeowners into panic mode faster than a sewage backup. It’s one of the messiest, smelliest, and most disruptive plumbing problems you can face. To make things worse, sewer backups usually happen without warning. One moment, everything is running smoothly, and the next, you’re overwhelmed by foul odors, slow drains, and even raw sewage creeping into your home.
Since there is little hope of early detection, the only thing a homeowner can do besides calling emergency plumbing in Otay Ranch without delay is knowing what causes this smelly issue in the first place. In today’s post, we’ll walk you through the usual suspects so you can stay one step ahead and protect your home from this foul disaster.
What is the most common cause of sewer backup?
Whether it’s bad habits, aging pipes, or unexpected root invasions, the culprits behind sewage backups are more common than you might think. And while not every backup is avoidable, many are. With plumbing systems, hiring professionals to inspect your setup is always better than waiting for your nose and home comfort to bear the brunt before you decide to act.
1. Tree roots invasion
Tree roots might seem harmless, but they are one of the most common and destructive causes of sewage backups. Roots can be aggressive in their search for water sources, sniffing out any moisture within their reach. They are also great at finding the tiniest crack in your underground pipes and exploiting it until they cause a serious blockage.
2. Flushing the wrong items
Too often, people treat their toilets like trash cans. This leads to clogs, increased pressure, and ultimately, sewage backups. From baby wipes and feminine hygiene products to paper towels and so-called ‘flushable’ wet wipes, people throw many items that don’t break down in water properly, leading to stubborn sewer clogs over time.
3. Grease in the pipes
Speaking of flushing down the wrong things, pouring grease down the kitchen sink may seem harmless and logical. However, as grease cools down, it starts to solidify and ends up sticking to your pipes. Since grease and water don’t mix, it stays there until the clog becomes too big, and waste has nowhere to go but back into your home.
4. Heavy rainfall
Sometimes, no matter how good or bad you treat your sewer line, the problem isn’t your fault. During extreme weather events like torrential downpours, the municipal sewer system becomes overloaded with stormwater. In extreme cases, it can even start pushing sewage back into private lines. Keep in mind that homes in lower elevations are especially prone to this scenario.
5. Faulty sewer lines
If you live in an older home, your sewer line may be reaching the end of its life. Pipes crack, sag, and warp over time, and in worst-case scenarios, they collapse entirely. If you fear that your setup is becoming dated, you should schedule a video inspection to detect any potential structural issues before it’s too late.
6. Poor plumbing design or setup
Even if you have a new plumbing system, it doesn’t mean you’re completely safe and out of the woods. Improper slope, undersized pipes, wrong materials, and badly connected fixtures are just some of the ways a new plumbing system can lead to failure. If you’ve moved into a new home or had work done with your piping, it may be smart to get a licensed professional to take a look and offer an unbiased evaluation of your setup.
Which company specializes in reliable emergency plumbing in Otay Ranch, CA & nearby areas?
Looking for a team that can deal with your plumbing emergency without delay and in a thorough manner? Look no further than San Diego Emergency Plumbing. With a licensed and bonded crew, professional equipment, and an eye for detail to unearth deep-seated problems before they escalate, we’re the leading team of emergency plumbers near you.
If you want to inquire about the warning signs of clogged main lines, the adverse effects residential mold has on your well-being, or how to spot an impending sewer backup, we can help you with all this and much more.
Give us a call and you’re free to spend a day with your loved ones by the Otay River while we get our feet wet to detect the true cause of your headaches. Reach out to us as soon as you notice anything suspicious, and we’ll be at your place without delay!
