What to Do When Your Sewer Line Is Backed Up

Why Does My Sewer Line Keep Backing Up?

Every home needs a sewer line to dispose of the home’s wastewater safely. However, dealing with sewer line problems can be messy, especially a sewer line backup. Professionals can fix the underlying causes of sewage backups to fix them. Still, there are also ways for homeowners to help avoid them in the future to rid themselves of this plumbing disaster. Here is a quick article to give homeowners important information for dealing with backed-up sewer lines. 

Common Reasons Why Sewer Lines Back Up

Sewer line backups can be caused by a variety of factors. Some possible causes of sewage backups include:

• Sewer line clogs: Clogs within the sewer line caused by various things like grease, food, or flushing the wrong items can cause backups.
• Tree roots: Trees planted near sewer lines can cause blockages as their root systems grow and expand, causing cracks or breaks in the pipes and allowing them to enter.
• Damage or structural issues: Over time, sewer lines can become damaged or collapse due to shifting soil, age, or corrosion, causing backups.
• Municipal issues: In some cases, backups may be caused by problems with the municipal sewer system, such as a blockage or overflow in a central line.
• Improperly designed or installed lines: If sewer lines are not properly designed or installed, they may be more prone to backups and other issues.

Solutions to a Backed-Up Sewer Line 

Before professionals can fix a sewer line backup, they will need to determine the cause of the issue. One way to identify the cause is through a sewer video inspection. A small camera is inserted into the sewer line through an access point, allowing a visual inspection of the inside of the pipe. This method can accurately identify the problem, helping them choose the most suitable solution. If the cause of the backup is a clog or blockage, hydrojetting can be used to clear the line, but other solutions will be needed if the line is damaged or broken. 

Trenchless sewer repair is a non-invasive method of fixing a sewer line backup. It involves using specialized equipment to repair or replace the damaged section of pipe from within. One popular technique for trenchless sewer repair is epoxy pipe lining. This method involves inserting an epoxy resin-coated liner into the damaged pipe, which is then inflated and hardened to create a new, seamless pipe within the old one. Epoxy as a solution has become popular for fixing sewer line backups due to its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. 

In cases of severe damage, traditional sewer line repair may be necessary. This method involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe and repairing or replacing it with a new one. While conventional sewer pipe repair is more invasive and time-consuming, it may be the only solution in certain situations. A professional can determine the best way to fix the sewer line. 

Helping Prevent Sewer Line Backups 

Most homeowners realize that preventing a problem is cheaper than fixing it. This is especially true of sewer lines. Some of the things homeowners can do to help prevent sewage backups are: 

• Prevent clogs and blockages: A common cause of backed-up sewer lines is clogs, so homeowners should help prevent them by discarding grease and food scraps in the garbage and only flushing toilet paper down their toilets. 
• Schedule hydrojet drain cleaning: Routinely clearing the drains and sewer lines of debris with hydrojetting will help prevent clogged sewer lines and backups. 
• Have pipes inspected routinely: Having a professional inspect the piping regularly with sewer video inspection can help prevent and catch sewer line problems that could eventually lead to a sewer line backup. 

About Royal Flush: Next-Gen Pipelining

Royal Flush: Next Gen Pipelining has more than 30 years of expertise serving Providence and the surrounding areas. They offer personal attention, state-of-the-art technology, and peace of mind. Call them today for East Providence sewer line repair. 

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