Sewer Line Backups: What Causes Them and How to Prevent Them
Sewer Line Backups: What Causes Them and How to Prevent Them

Philadelphia’s Sewer Line Repair Experts
A sewer line backup is one of the most unpleasant plumbing issues a homeowner can face. It can lead to foul odors, slow drains, and even water damage to your property. At Reliable Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that sewer line backups can cause, but the good news is that many of these problems are preventable with proper care and maintenance. In this post, we’ll explore what causes sewer line backups and provide some tips on how to prevent them.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Backups
- Clogged Pipes One of the most common reasons for sewer line backups is clogged pipes. Over time, materials such as grease, hair, food waste, and non-flushable items like wet wipes and feminine hygiene products can build up in your plumbing system. As these materials accumulate, they can create blockages that prevent wastewater from flowing freely, eventually leading to a backup.
- Tree Root Infiltration Trees and shrubs in your yard may look beautiful, but their roots can cause significant damage to your sewer line. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate small cracks in sewer pipes, causing them to grow inside the line. As the roots expand, they can block or even break the pipe, leading to a backup. This is a particularly common problem for older homes with clay or cast-iron sewer pipes.
- Broken or Collapsed Sewer Lines Over time, sewer lines can deteriorate due to age, shifting soil, or ground movement. In some cases, pipes may break, collapse, or become misaligned, causing blockages or restricting the flow of wastewater. This can happen gradually, but once a sewer line collapses, a backup is inevitable.
- Heavy Rain or Flooding During periods of heavy rainfall, municipal sewer systems can become overwhelmed by excess water. When the system reaches capacity, water can flow back into your home through your sewer line, leading to a backup. This is more common in areas with aging or insufficient sewer infrastructure.
- Sewer Line Sagging (Bellied Pipe) A bellied sewer line occurs when a section of the pipe sinks or sags due to shifting soil or ground conditions. This dip in the line can collect wastewater and debris, creating a blockage that leads to a backup.
How to Prevent Sewer Line Backups
- Watch What You Flush The easiest way to prevent sewer line clogs is to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet or pour down the drain. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Items like wet wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products should be disposed of in the trash.
- Schedule Regular Sewer Line Inspections Routine inspections by a professional plumber can help catch potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. A camera inspection of your sewer line can identify blockages, tree root infiltration, or damage, allowing you to address the problem early.
- Consider a Sewer Line Cleaning Professional sewer line cleaning can remove buildup and debris, helping to prevent clogs and backups. High-pressure water jetting is an effective method for clearing out your sewer line and ensuring that it’s in good condition.
- Install a Backwater Valve A backwater valve is a device installed on your sewer line that prevents water from flowing back into your home during periods of heavy rain or flooding. This is especially useful for homes in areas prone to sewer system overflows.
- Be Mindful of Tree Placement If you’re planning to plant new trees or shrubs, make sure to avoid planting them too close to your sewer line. Opt for trees with less invasive root systems, and if you have existing trees, consider having a professional inspect your sewer line for any signs of root infiltration.
Contact Us For Sewer Line Repair in Philadelphia Today
Sewer line backups can be a frustrating and messy problem, but with regular maintenance and preventative measures, they can often be avoided. At Reliable Plumbing, we are committed to helping homeowners maintain a healthy plumbing system and avoid costly backups. If you’re experiencing issues with your sewer line or want to schedule a routine inspection, contact us today!

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