One of the unfortunate things that comes along with being a homeowner is dealing with unexpected disasters, including a sewage backup. Knowing what causes this can potentially help you from experiencing one, so ServiceMaster of Baltimore put together a list of some common causes of sewage backups and what you can do to try and prevent one.
Tree Roots
We can’t always tell what goes on underground, but tree roots, especially those of large trees, can be incredibly invasive. If they grow long enough, they can cause a sewage backup by intertwining with your sewer line, causing holes in your pipes or even crushing the line altogether. The roots from any nearby trees, not just the ones on your property, can cause the issue. If possible, cut the roots occasionally, or replace your pipes with plastic ones.
Clogs
It’s quite common to experience a clog in your sewer line. Even though it doesn’t always cause a sewage backup, it’s important to keep an eye on clogs that occur in a toilet, sink, or bathtub. Most of the time we can fix these clogs on our own, but sometimes the problem is deeper than that, and you have a blockage in the main sewer line.
To prevent these kinds of backups, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t flush any kind of waste that would normally go in a trash bin, down the toilet. Also, be mindful of how much you put down your garbage disposal—too much at one time can cause a sewage backup. This includes pouring grease down the sink drain. The grease will eventually solidify and clog your pipes.
Broken Sewer Lines
Depending on the age of your home, its pipes might make it more prone to a sewage backup. Even though it was common practice for older homes to be built with cast iron and clay pipes, it’s now known that they don’t age very well. Now, most homes’ sewer lines are built with plastic pipes. It might be a good idea to replace your old pipes with the newer plastic ones to prevent a potential future backup.
Heavy Rainfall
Believe it or not, the weather can cause a sewage backup, as well. And unfortunately, this cause, although common, is the most out of our control. If the public sewer system becomes overburdened with water from excess rainfall, the water has no place else to go but into connected sewer lines, ultimately putting your home at risk of a backup.
Call The Professionals
If you experience a sewage backup, you’ll want to fix it as quickly as possible. With over 60 years of experience, ServiceMaster of Baltimore’s technicians are experts at restoring homes and businesses to their pre-loss condition by guiding you through the process of reconstruction, drying, and cleaning services. Call us today at 410-780-1700.