Common Causes of Main Sewer Line Issues

When it comes to home maintenance, sewer lines often get overlooked. After all, they’re out of sight and out of mind. But these underground pipes are an integral part of a functioning home, and it’s important to understand the role they play in the health and safety of your home and family. If your main drain keeps clogging, it can be a huge inconvenience, but they don’t have to be. Knowing the common causes of a clogged main sewer line can help you prevent and address the issue. Keep reading to learn more about the common causes and how to prevent them.

The sewer line is poorly installed or damaged.

Poorly installed or damaged sewer lines are one of the most common causes of a clogged main sewer line. Poor installation can include issues such as incorrect pipe size, improper sloping, and poor joints between pipes. Damaged sewer lines can occur due to corrosion, tree roots that have grown into the pipes, or earthquakes which cause shifts in the ground that disrupts the underground piping system. Both poorly installed and damaged sewage lines will eventually lead to blockages in your main sewage line because they prevent waste water from flowing freely through your plumbing system. These blockages can be caused by debris like hair, grease buildup, and food particles getting caught up in these weak spots or breaks within your plumbing system. If you suspect there may already be an issue with your sewage lines then you should call a plumber immediately for diagnosis and repair services so further damage does not occur and costly repairs do not need to be made down the road when things get worse.

The septic tank is overflowing.

Overflowing septic tanks are one of the most common causes of a clogged main sewer line. Septic tanks are typically used in households and businesses that do not have access to municipal sewage systems. They collect wastewater from toilets, showers, washing machines, and other plumbing fixtures and store it until it can be treated or disposed of through an outlet pipe. If a septic tank is full or overflowing, the excess waste will back up into the main sewer line, causing it to become blocked. This blockage can lead to a variety of problems including bad odors coming from drains; slow draining sinks, tubs and toilets; backups in basements; and overflows in bathrooms. To prevent this issue from occurring regularly, homeowners should maintain their septic system by having it inspected annually for any signs of damage or malfunctioning components such as filters or pumps.

There are paper products and unflushable materials in the drain.

One of the most common causes of a clogged main sewer line is paper products and unflushable materials. This issue can occur when people attempt to flush everything from toilet paper and napkins to feminine hygiene products and diapers down their drains. Over time, these items accumulate in the drain pipes, creating a blockage that can cause serious damage to your property if not addressed quickly. The most important thing for homeowners to do is to be mindful of what they are flushing down the drains. Toilet paper should always be flushed away as it will break apart easily in water. Other items such as wipes, sanitary napkins, diapers, or any other non-biodegradable item should never be flushed away as they will not disintegrate in water but instead build up over time and create a blockage within the pipe system causing backups throughout your home’s plumbing system that could potentially lead to costly repairs or replacements.

Overall, clogged main sewer lines can be caused by a variety of different factors, including those outlined above. It is important to recognize the common causes of a clogged main sewer line in order to prevent and repair any future blockages. Altogether, taking the necessary precautions to prevent a clogged main sewer line is essential for proper plumbing maintenance.