Why is My Sewer Clogged?

Posted by Champion Cleaning Systems on September 26th, 2019

When your main sewer line becomes clogged, the sewage can literally back up into your home. If it is just one toilet, sink or tub that seems to be giving you a problem, it may just be a clog in that drain. If, however, every flush creates a sewage backup in your Peachtree City home, you likely have a blockage in your main sewer line. We at Champion Cleaning Systems would like to introduce four common causes:

Tree Roots

Even if the area directly above your sewer line is free of trees, your landscaping or a neighboring yard could be the cause of your sewer problem. Tiny cracks in the pipes let moisture leak in to the ground. Tree roots can seek out water and then send roots into the cracks, making bigger holes. Over time the roots grow, eventually blocking the line and causing a sewer back-up.

Grease Down The Sink

While grease is liquid, it hardens inside the sewage line, creating a stubborn clog. In order to avoid a sewer line clog, never pour grease down the drain; always pour hot grease into a can. Once it solidifies, throw it away in the trash. People mistakenly think that running hot water when pouring grease down a drain helps wash it away. Once grease cools off, it will harden and stick to your pipes—leading to sewer line clogs.

Misused Garbage Disposals

Food scraps create 10% to 20% of household waste. Don’t expect a small appliance to manage a lot of product. Instead, set up a composting pile to get rid of food waste. This is particularly important for waste like tea leaves and coffee grounds that don’t break down. 

Every once in a while grind up peels from citrus fruits like lemons or oranges. The peel will help clear excess waste in the disposal and eliminate any unpleasant odors; natural acidity helps suppress the bacterial growth associated with odors.

Broken or Collapsed Sewer Lines

If your Peachtree City home is older, broken, cracked or collapsed, lines can cause sewer back-ups. Although plastic sewer lines have now become the norm, older homes were built using cast iron and clay piping that can break down over time and create sewer problems.

Sagging sewer lines happen over time. This “bellied” pipe occurs when a section of the pipe has sunk due to ground or soil conditions. The low spot in the line will begin to collect paper and waste—resulting in repeat blockages. When sewer pipes are broken or ruptured, the sewage won’t be able to properly drain through the system—leading to immediate and frequent backups. 

Fix it the Right Way

Don’t reach for cheap fix like Draino(r) or Liquid-Plumr(r) to treat a clogged drain. These harsh chemicals can damage your plumbing pipes and sewer. Champion Cleaning Systems offers options including enzymes instead of harsh chemicals that can often solve and prevent future problems.

Diagnosing Your Sewer Problem

One of the best ways to pinpoint the cause of your home sewer backup is to have a professional plumber check it out. Champion Cleaning Systems can perform a video inspection of your sewer line and show you exactly what is causing the problem. They can then prescribe the most appropriate, safest, and least expensive solution.

Water Damage Cleanup in Peachtree City

Rely on Champion Cleaning Systems for black water and sewer clean-up. Their industrial grade dehumidifiers, high-speed air movers, and documented drying process will return your dirty mess into a safe, beautiful and comfortable home. The experienced team is on-call to respond 24 hours a day.