What Causes a Sewer Backup in Arlington Heights?

Signs of a Sewer Backup

A sewer backup happens when water can’t flow properly through a home’s main sewer line, likely caused by an obstruction or clog. Call a professional plumbing company immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• The smell of sewage in your home
• Slow drains
• The sound of gurgling anywhere in the plumbing system
• Water coming into the tub or shower through the drain
• Water accumulating near garage or basement floor drains
• Sinkholes or pooling water in the yard

Common Causes of Sewer Backups in Arlington Heights

Many things can cause sewer backups in Arlington Heights, IL, but the most common causes include the following.

Tree Roots

Tree roots cause more clogged sewer lines than any other source. Underground drains crack when heavy roots grow around them. The roots wrap around sewer lines and collapse the pipes. Drains that move slowly and gurgling sounds that come from your sinks and toilets are sure signs that tree roots are crushing your sewer system. In some cases, you can prevent tree root intrusion by hiring arborists to cut them away from the pipes, but in severe cases, they need to remove the tree.

Drain Clogs

Many times, sewer lines back up in the same way as drain pipes in the home, and people throw the wrong things down the drain. Your toilet is not a trash can. The only thing you should flush down the toilet is toilet paper. That means no paper towels, napkins, baby wipes, or diapers.

Avoid pouring cooking grease down the garbage disposal. Fibrous foods like carrot peels can also wreak havoc on your drains.

If it’s only one toilet, the issue is likely that toilet. However, if it’s every sink and toilet, the issue could be a clogged sewer line. 

Sewer Line Damage

The sewer line itself could be the source of the issue. A broken, crushed, or otherwise damaged sewer line can create serious backups. Older homes see this type of problem often. Those sewer lines use clay or cast iron pipes. Those materials corrode over time and eventually, the deterioration is too much.

If you suspect a sewage backup, call a professional plumber as soon as possible.  

What To Do If Your Sewer Backs Up

Knowing what causes sewer backups can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches because you can take steps to prevent them. Of course, sometimes sewer lines back up no matter how much effort you put into avoiding these issues. Here’s what to do if it does back up:

• Avoid contact with sewage. Sewage has countless dangerous bacteria and viruses, which can lead to illnesses. If you do touch sewage, be sure to wash your skin, clothes, and anywhere else the sewage touched thoroughly.
• Clean or replace household items. Sewage can cause severe damage to floors, walls, carpets, and furniture. If any of these items touch sewage, wash them or remove them if they’re ruined.
• Turn off electrical power in the affected area. In the event of a sewer backup, head to your breaker box and turn off the electrical power for the area. You may need to flip more than one circuit breaker.
• Open doors and windows for proper air ventilation. This can help everything dry faster.
• Turn off the main water supply to your home. This means you will not be able to use water until a qualified professional team clears the backup and gives you the OK.
• Contact your insurance company. They can explain your coverage and help you file a claim.
• Call a professional plumbing company. A qualified plumber can clear the blockage with the right tools and experience. Do not attempt to remove the backup and repair the sewer line yourself.  

Get Expert Plumbing Help in Arlington Heights, IL

Now that you know what causes a sewer backup, you can take steps to prevent it. If an emergency happens, our highly trained, expert team can help. 

We can also explain how to find a water leak in a wall, answer questions on sump pumps and plastic piping, and more. Call Stellar Plumbing in Arlington Heights, IL, today to schedule a quote. 

Call Now (773) 908-9375

Author Bio:

Steve Prodanov

President at Stellar Plumbing Inc. With more than 17 years of hands-on experience, Stellar Plumbing is your trusted partner in Elk Grove Village and the surrounding Northwest suburbs.