Why Does My Sewer Keep Backing Up?
The sewer pipe connects your home to the main drains and removes everything from your home. That means anything that goes into your sink, shower, washing machine, or toilet is going to end up in the sewer.
Unfortunately, the sewer is a pipe, and like any other pipe, it can become clogged. Of course, you probably won’t realize there is an issue until the sewerage backs up and makes itself known.
In the best scenario, you’ll notice that a particular toilet or drain is struggling to empty properly. This is an indication there is an issue. However, the issue is most likely to be between that appliance and where it meets other appliances or the sewer line.
A worst-case scenario can result in sewage back flowing into your home and covering your floors, that’s not something anyone wants to encounter.
If you suspect you have sewage issues then contact a reputable plumber Sydney. They’ll run a camera down your pipes and look for any issues, which they’ll then be able to fix for you.
However, it is worth noting the main reasons why your sewer will keep backing up:
Clog
As mentioned, a lot of things go down the pipes and these can bind together to create a clog. This is especially true if you put wet wipes, sanitary products, or baby goods down your toilet. Many of these types of material don’t biodegrade and will stick together, creating a clog in your pipes.
If the issue is just with one drain point then the issue is localized to that appliance and its immediate waste. If it affects more than one appliance then the clog is likely to be in the main sewer line.
It’s worth noting that you can avoid this issue by thinking about what you u down your drains. Grease, sanitary products, wet wipes, etc. all cause blockages. Dispose of them in the bin instead.
Tree Roots
If you’re careful about what goes down your drains and you still encounter an issue then you may have a more natural problem. Tree roots can grow downward and penetrate the sewage line. This can, over time, cause blockages for two reasons:
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Tree Roots Block The Pipe
The roots can simply grow through the pipe restricting and eventually cutting off the exit point for all the items going down the sewer. The waste will start to back up and you’ll notice the issue when the backup starts to reach your home.
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Destruction of the Pipe
Roots can also destroy the pipe. This prevents the waste from getting through. For a short time, it may collect underground but, over time, this will create a blockage of its own.
You’ll need to find the damaged spot, replace the pipe section, and probably eliminate the tree in the process.
Chemical Damage
Many homeowners pour chemicals down the sink in a bid to eliminate a blockage. Unfortunately, these are not always successful and the chemicals can actually damage the pipes from the inside. This can cause them to leak, soil to come in and a secondary blockage to occur.
The best approach is regular maintenance and an annual appointment with the local plumber to inspect the pipes. Prevention is definitely preferable to cure.