When you hear the word “plumbing system,” you probably think of your toilets and sink drains. For many, the state of their sewer lines goes widely ignored — that is, until a blockage appears seemingly out of nowhere.
Warning signs of a clogged sewer line can include everything from slow drains to water backing up in your plumbing fixtures. These issues can be incredibly inconvenient and unsanitary. If you suspect you have a sewer line blockage on your hands, you might be wondering what causes the main sewer line to clog in the first place.
Here is everything you need to know about the common causes of sewer line clogs.
Tree Root Instructions
There’s a good chance that tree roots are to blame for your clogged sewer line. Tree roots seek out water and nutrients, so a lot of times, they will grow in the direction of sewer pipes. With time, these roots can break through the line altogether.
Tree root intrusions are often considered one of the top causes of sewer line clogs. However, this problem is more common with older pipes. Of course, clogs can appear no matter the age of your sewer lines. It’s important to call a Wildomar, CA, plumber as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening.
Fats, Oils, and Grease
When you scrub off your dishes in the sink, you might not realize how harmful leftover grease, fats, and oils can be to your sink drains. Once these substances settle in your drains, they quickly harden and transform into a stubborn clog.
When it comes down to it, grease can be what causes the main sewer line to clog. You can avoid this sort of issue by wiping off express grease with a paper towel and throwing it in the trash.
Broken Sewer Lines
Like most things, your sewer lines can become worn or cracked over time. When these pipes break or collapse in on themselves, the resulting damage can act like a clogged main sewer line. This cannot be remedied with a typical drain cleaning service. Instead, you’ll need to replace the broken pipe altogether.
Various Foreign Objects
As you may know, the only things you should flush down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. However, a few extraneous objects can make their way down the drain line — including some items that seem like they can be flushed but shouldn’t.
For example, you should never flush feminine hygiene products, paper towels, tissues, or flushable wipes. These products might be marketed as flushable, but they can be some of the most common causes of sewer line clogs.
Other items, such as toiletries, can also be what cause the main sewer line to clog. Keep any of these items away from your toilets and sink drains by securely storing them in cabinets.
Unexpected Soil Shifts
Heavy rainstorms, frigid temperatures, and construction work can cause soil to shift. If the soil moves toward your sewer lines and applies too much pressure, these lines can crack or burst. While this is not always one of the most common causes of sewer line clogs, it is still a possibility — especially if you live in an area prone to heavy storms or extreme conditions.
Clear Your Main Sewer Line With Guardian Plumbers
Once you understand what causes the main sewer line to clog, you can take steps to keep these lines in a better condition. Watch which items go down your sewer drains — whether it’s grease or “flushable” wipes — and remember to schedule regular sewer line inspections.
If you’re currently dealing with a sewer line clog, contact Guardian Plumbers for help. We offer drain cleaning services in Murrieta, CA, and the surrounding areas. Our plumbers use sewer line and drain cleaning techniques that are highly effective, so you don’t have to worry about using chemical drain cleaners or other household drain cleaning methods. Contact us today to learn more about our services!