Sewer lines are basically a collection of pipes that remove waste away from fixtures like sink, showers, dishwashers and toilets. These play a crucial role in maintaining a clean, hygienic and functional home.
However, just like other systems in a home, sewer lines can be prone to clogs and blockages due to many reasons. In this blog, we will build up on some apparent causes of sewer line blockage and how you can take proactive steps to avoid such problems.
5 Possible Causes of Sewer Line Blockage
Sewer line blockage can occur for a variety of reasons, some of them are discussed below.
1. Fat and Grease Buildup
Homeowners tend to drain almost all items in the sink including grease, fats and oil. While it may seem harmless at first, over time this residue type can solidify inside the pipe; causing sewer line blockage.
2. Hair Accumulation
Hair when combined with soap scum and other debris can form clogs in your bathroom sink and showers.
This type of buildup can also be a leading cause for sewer line blockages.
3. Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Due to our sheer negligence and ease of access, we tend to flush items like baby wipes, cotton swabs, tissues and even feminine hygiene products.
This is probably a main cause of blockages in sewer lines and backflow.
4. Pipe Sagging
Sewer lines can move over time due to ground settling or faulty installation. This can cause some parts of the pipe to sag or shift out of place, creating a dip.
This dip leads to debris build up, and eventually complete blockages.
5. Other Miscellaneous Reasons
Apart from these apparent causes of sewer line blockage, other reasons include:
- Foreign objects
- Old and weak sewer lines
- Tree roots
- Mineral buildup
How Can You Prevent Sewer Blockages?
Sewer blockages can become really unhygienic and frustrating; compromising your overall house functionality.
However, you can practice these easy and effective tips to prevent this issue.
- Always think twice before flushing non-flushable items in your sink. If you have developed this habit, you can place a dustbin inside your washroom.
- Use a food strainer or hair catcher to collect unwanted debris that might get into the drain and cause blockages.
- Make sure to flush your drains at least once a month. Or use enzyme cleaners on your drains.
- If you suspect an issue regarding slow drainage or water back up, make sure to call professional drain cleaning services.
How Much Can You Expect To Pay For Drain Cleaning Services in Pearland, TX
Typically, the cost of drain cleaning services in Pearland TX, can range from $200-$850 depending on multiple factors such as:
- Type of drain (main sewage line, kitchen sink, bathtub etc)
- Number of drain pipes
- Blockage extent/complexity of the project
Final Words
Sewer line blockage is a common plumbing issue. Some culprits are grease build up, hair accumulation, flushing toilet paper or wipes, mineral buildup and more.
However, you can prevent it by simple lifestyle changes like using food strainers, avoiding flushing items, disposing grease and oils in the dustbin and regularly flushing your drains.
If you suspect a sewer line blockage at your home, our licensed team of plumbers at Santana Bros Plumbing is ready to help.
Call us at (713) 494-5504 to restore your plumbing system; promptly and professionally.