Are you a homeowner in Los Angeles County? If so, you might have experienced or heard about sewer backups. It's not a pleasant situation, but understanding what causes it can help you prevent it in the future.
Here's a simple explanation of the causes of sewer backups. Hopefully you can fix it on your own if you have the skills, but DIYing this is not easy, and you should always call a plumber with tools to do the job.
Main Reasons For Sewer Backup
Blockages
One of the most common reasons for sewer backups is blockages in the drain pipes or main sewer lines. These blockages can be caused by grease, hair, or other solid materials. Sometimes, a failed sump pump in your basement can also lead to a blockage.
Tree Roots
The sewer lines in your home are underground, which means they're near things like rocks and tree roots. Tree roots can grow towards a pipe with a small leak and cause a hole or grow around it, leading to a sewage backup.
Cracked Sewer Pipes
If your pipes are old, they might be susceptible to damage. Cast iron and clay pipes, in particular, don't last very long and are prone to cracks, which can cause a sewer backup.
Heavy Rain
When there's a lot of rain, the municipal sewer system can reach its maximum capacity. The excess water may then travel to the residential sewage pipes connected to your house, causing a backup.
Visual Signs That Sewer Pipes Are Backed Up
Multiple Drains Are Clogged
Sometimes one drain gets clogged, like when too much toilet paper or grease goes down. But if you notice that many drains in your home are clogged at the same time, it could mean there's a bigger problem.
Your whole sewer system might be blocked.
Bubbles Near the Drain
When water tries to pass through a clogged drain, it can trap air and create bubbles. If you see bubbles coming up when you flush the toilet or when the sink is draining, it could be a sign of a sewer backup.
Toilets Won't Flush
One common sign of a sewer backup is having trouble with your toilet. If you find that your toilet isn't flushing properly and using a plunger doesn't solve the issue, it could mean that your sewer is backed up.
Water Backflow
If you use one drain and another unrelated drain starts making strange noises, like gurgling, it's a major sign of a sewer backup.
For example, if you hear gurgling in your tub or shower when you flush the toilet, it means there's a backup in the sewer and the water is trying to find another way out.
Call For Plumbing Service Near You
Sewer and plumbing issues can be a major inconvenience in Los Angeles County. Don't let a sewer backup disrupt your life.
Contact our team of licensed plumbers in Los Angeles County by phone at (213) 519-5226 to schedule an appointment.
We provide professional plumbing services to homes in various cities across Los Angeles County, including but not limited to Burbank, Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Monica, and Glendale. Give us a call today to get your sewer problems fixed.