Sewer backups are a common plumbing issue in Sedalia, Missouri. Typically, it can flood flooring surfaces with toxic and smelly, black water. This issue can lead to serious problems, like the growth of molds and mildew, and even property damage.

As such, keeping the sewer system clean is the key to protecting your property. Moreover, knowing what to do when you notice signs of sewer backing is vital to prevent further damage.

Here are some of the common causes of sewer backups:

Clogs

The most common form of sewer backup is clogged pipes. From toilet paper, hair, and soap scum to grease can cause sewer backups. If you have a backup, that’s affecting either the toilet or sink, you should seek help from a Sedalia plumber. It could indicate a major issue with the main sewer line that could no longer be solved with the help of a plunger.

We can prevent these common sewer backups with regular cleaning and maintenance and by using the drain properly. Items, such as cleaning wipes, napkins, diapers, and other hygiene products, should not be put in the toilet. They should be disposed of properly in the trash bin and not flushed in the toilet.

Moreover, kitchen grease should not be poured directly into the sink, as it can cause sewer pipe backups.

Collapsed pipes

 Cracked or deteriorated pipes can also lead to sewer backups. Some signs that there’s any structural damage to your plumbing are when you notice there are excessively muddy patches in your yard, foul odor, and low water pressure.

Having a professional plumber can help you check the integrity of your pipes. Cracks to outdoor pipes are common, especially when the systems are well-aged. Keep in mind that heavy storms can also alter the condition or function of your exterior pipes. Therefore, if your sewer backs up after you had major work done after a big storm, there could be damage to the outdoor plumbing structure.

Tree roots

Most sewer pipes lie beneath the surface of the lawn. As trees grow, their roots can penetrate your sewer line and clog it, preventing you from solving the problem. When you hire a plumbing company, they use advanced technology, like a sewer video inspection, to look directly into your pipes and locate the problem.

Even though there are no trees near your sewer lines, tree roots can cross property boundaries and can be located far away from where they stand. If your sewer line is infiltrated, the root should be cut away, and the pipe should be repaired or replaced.

Hence, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you keep the lateral that connects the main sewer and your home.

Sewer backup caused by the city

If your wastewater is draining to a septic tank, your plumbing system is reliant on the condition of the city’s sewer main. Knowing where the problem is exactly when you have a sewer backing up is the key to determining who is at fault.

If there are sewer line issues at the main, the municipality will repair them and have to provide fair compensation for any damages. When the city line is clogged or draining slowly, expect that your outside cleanout will be full of water. 

On the other hand, if the cleanout is empty, most likely the problem originates closer to your home.

Illegal plumbing connections

Make sure that you have no illegal plumbing connections involved, such as having your sump pump hooked to the line of your sewer. If you have set it up like that, it can lead to backup in your home. 

Check to ensure that all your plumbing fixtures are set up legally. If you’re unsure about something, call a Sedalia plumber to answer all your plumbing-related questions and what’s legal in your area.

If you experience frequent sewer backups and it’s causing insect problems, or a soggy and smelly yard, you need to call a plumbing company and get your sewer inspected right away.