A backup in your main sewer line is an extremely stressful event that can both threaten your family’s health as well as damage your home and furnishings. Let’s look at some reasons your home’s main drain could be backing up and offer helpful advice about how to solve it.
How Do You Know Your Main Drain is the Problem?
One of the most common signs of a main line sewer problem is a backup at the basement level of the home. If you have a toilet, shower, or floor drain located in the basement that is backing up, there’s a good chance the issue is your main sewer lateral (the pipe that collects all the drainage from your home and runs “laterally” out to the street or septic tank).
Fixtures located in the basement generally drain directly to the main sewage line, so there aren’t really any other minor drain pipes that could be involved.
Another sign of a probable main sewer line backup is when multiple drains in your home are affected simultaneously. For instance, if you flush the toilet and notice water backing up in your sink or shower, the blockage is farther down the system than just at the toilet.
If this occurs in just one bathroom, the problem could (hopefully!) be the smaller pipe that drains the whole bathroom, but if it occurs in different rooms entirely, there’s a good chance the main sewer line is the culprit.
Finally, gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets when water is running elsewhere in the house can indicate a main line blockage.
What are Some Common Causes of Sewer Backups?
1. Blocked or Clogged Pipes
One of the most common causes of sewer backups is blocked or clogged pipes.
These clogs and blockages can occur due to a buildup of a variety of materials:
- Paper products like “flushable” wipes (they’re not), paper towels, and feminine hygiene products.
- Kitchen sink waste like grease, fibrous vegetables, rice, and potato peels.
- Scale and rust from mineral buildup.
- Foreign objects like pens, Legos, or a sock.
To help prevent clogged drains and sewer pipes, it’s essential to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as these substances can solidify in the pipes. Use drain screens to catch hair and other debris, and only flush toilet paper and human waste. Regular maintenance, such as professional drain cleaning, can also help keep your pipes clear and prevent future backups.
2. Tree Roots
Tree roots are a significant cause of sewer line backups, especially in older neighborhoods with mature trees. As trees grow, their roots naturally seek out water sources, and if your sewer pipe has even the most microscopic opening, thin roots can infiltrate small cracks or joints in the pipes, growing larger over time and causing blockages or even pipe damage. The problem is particularly common with older sewer pipes made of clay or cast iron, which are more susceptible to root intrusion.
Once tree roots are discovered, they can be temporarily removed using a “rooter” or other method to cut them out, but unless repairs are made – or the tree removed – the problem will keep coming back.
3. Damaged Sewer Pipes
Damaged sewer pipes can lead to serious backup issues in your main sewer line. Pipes can become damaged due to various factors, including
- age
- shifting ground
- freeze-thaw cycles
- construction work near your property.
Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections in the pipes can allow soil and debris to enter, causing blockages and impeding the flow of wastewater. In older homes with clay or cast iron pipes, corrosion and deterioration can weaken the pipe walls, making them more susceptible to damage.
Regular sewer pipe inspections can help identify pipe damage before it leads to a major backup. If damage is detected, there are several repair options available, ranging from trenchless pipe lining to full pipe replacement. Addressing pipe damage promptly can help prevent costly backups and protect your home from being flooded with sewage and dirty water. It’s always best to consult with a proven professional like Service Force Plumbing to determine the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.
4. Heavy Rains
Heavy rainfall can be a significant contributor to sewer backups, especially in areas with combined sewer systems or older infrastructure. During intense storms, the excess water can overwhelm the municipal sewer system, causing sewage to back up into homes through basement drains or other low-lying plumbing fixtures. This type of backup is particularly problematic because it can introduce contaminated water into your home, posing health risks and potentially causing extensive damage.
To help protect your home from rain-induced sewer backups, consider installing a backflow prevention device or a sump pump in your basement. These devices can help prevent water from backing up into your home during heavy rainfall events. Additionally, ensure that your gutters and downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation to reduce the risk of water infiltration. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s also wise to have a plumber inspect your sewer line and recommend any necessary upgrades or preventative measures.
5. Municipal Plumbing System Problems
Municipal sewer problems can also lead to backups in your main sewer pipepipe. Issues with the city sewer system, such as blockages, collapses, or capacity limitations, can cause sewage to back up into residential properties. These problems are often beyond the homeowner’s control but can still result in significant damage and health hazards. In some cases, municipal sewer issues may affect multiple homes in a neighborhood simultaneously.
If you suspect that the city or county system is the cause of a backup in your home, it’s important to contact your local water and sewage department immediately. They can investigate the issue and take necessary action to resolve it. Additionally, keeping records of any sewer-related issues and communicating with your neighbors can help identify patterns that may indicate a larger municipal problem. While you can’t prevent sewer issues caused by your local service provider, being aware of the potential for such problems can help you respond quickly and effectively if a backup occurs.
Is There a Quick Fix for My Main Line Backup?
If your backup is caused by a simple clog, a skilled plumber can usually provide a quick fix using a powered drain snake.
Otherwise, however, most sewer problems require professional attention to address the root cause effectively.
The best course of action when dealing with a backed-up sewer is to call a professional plumber. They have the expertise and specialized equipment to diagnose the issue accurately and provide appropriate solutions.
Will My Home Insurance Cover Sewer and Water Damage?
The coverage for sewage and water damage in home insurance policies can vary significantly, and it’s crucial to understand the specifics of your policy. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers water damage that originates from within the home, such as burst pipes or overflowing appliances. However, damage from sewer backups or flooding is often excluded from basic policies. This means that if sewage backs up into your home, you may be responsible for the cleanup and repair costs unless you have specific additional coverage.
Many insurance companies offer sewer backup coverage as an add-on to standard policies. This additional coverage can provide financial protection in case of sewer-related damage to your home and belongings. Given the potential for extensive and costly damage from sewer backups, it’s worth considering this extra coverage, especially if you live in an area prone to such issues. It’s advisable to review your insurance policy carefully and discuss your options with your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate protection against sewer and water damage.
Who to Call for Main Sewer Line Backups
When faced with a sewer backup, it’s crucial to act quickly and call the right professionals to address the issue effectively. Your first call should be to a licensed plumber who specializes in sewer line repairs and maintenance. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to diagnose and resolve sewer backup problems efficiently. They can perform thorough inspections using sewer cameras, clear blockages with advanced tools like hydro-jetting equipment, and recommend trenchless or traditional repair or replacement methods to make long-term improvements.
In addition to a plumber, you may need to contact your local water and sewer department, especially if you suspect the backup is related to issues in the city or county sewer system. They can investigate problems beyond your property line and coordinate necessary repairs. If the backup has caused significant damage to your home, you might also need to call your insurance company to discuss coverage and initiate the claims process. Remember, for severe backups or flooding, it’s important to prioritize sanitary safety and the health of residents. Consider contacting a professional water damage restoration company to properly clean and sanitize affected areas.
Service Force Plumbers are Your Local Sewer Solutions Experts
The plumbers at Service Force have decades of experience in the trenches (figuratively and literally!) and are your best choice to effectively clear backups, identify the root cause, and give expert advice and service for long-term solutions if required, including both trenchless and traditional patching and replacement.
About the Author: Hendrik Vandepoll is a 30+ year Master Plumber, and co-owner and Field Manager here at Service Force Plumbing. He has been widely consulted about sanitary sewer system issues for many national publications, including BobVila.com, USA Today, The Spruce, and the Washington Post.
