What Causes A Sewer Back Up?

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

Sewage back ups are very unfortunate events that can happen in any home or commercial property. What causes this type of water damage anyway?  Well, typically there are three main categories that a sewer back up happens: damaged sewer pipes, clogs, and tree roots in the sewer system.  Let's look at these three areas a bit closer. 

• Clogging: Typically if you only have one area of your home that experiences a backup, like a tub or a sink, then there is typically a clog and can be fixed with cleaning the drain.  However, if you have the backup in several areas of your home, then there is a blockage at the main or the private that is causing the issue.   Unless the blockage is removed, the overflow will continue and will damage your entire home or business area.
• Tree Roots:  The roots of large trees in the proximity of a sewer line can often cause severe problems. They can literally grow into the pipes and cause holes and blockages or they may wrap around the sewer line and crush it.
• Damaged Sewer Lines: Older properties with older sewer lines that have not been upgraded can have broken or collapsed lines.  All the pipes and sewers in older homes were built using cast iron and clay which can wear off with time, get rusty, and easily break down. Present day plastic sewer lines cannot cause such problems simply because they don’t rust.

Sewage backups are not only hazardous to your health, but they can cause a great amount of structural damage to your home.  If you experience a sewage back up do not attempt to flush the toilet. Do not use harsh chemicals to attempt to clean out the drain.  This can actually cause more damage and make things worse.  Open your windows to let fresh air in.  It is also very important to keep pets and children away from the affected area.  However, the most important thing to do, is to call for professional help.  

SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is here to help with all your water damage needs. We are open 24/7/365 to help.  Call us at 708-240-4873.