Common Causes of Blocked and Broken Sewers and How to Prevent Them

As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your home is a safe and comfortable space for you and your family. This includes taking care of your plumbing system to avoid any issues that can disrupt your daily routine and pose health hazards. Your plumbing system is an integral part of your home’s infrastructure, responsible for carrying water and waste away from your property. However, if your plumbing system experiences problems like blocked or broken sewers, it can cause significant damage to your home, and even affect the health and wellbeing of your family.

Blocked and broken sewers can result in unpleasant odors, slow draining sinks, and even sewage backup. Not only are these issues inconvenient and unpleasant, but they can also be hazardous and costly to clean up. That’s why it’s crucial to take good care of your plumbing system and ensure that it’s in good working condition to prevent any potential problems. In this article, we will provide you with some helpful tips on how to prevent blocked and broken sewers, and common reasons why a plumber would be called out to assist. In this article, we will provide you with some helpful tips on how to prevent blocked and broken sewers and keep your plumbing system in good condition, and common reasons we have seen for a plumber would be called out to assist.

Tree Roots – One of the most common causes of blocked and broken sewers is tree roots. If you have trees in your yard, their roots can infiltrate your pipes, causing them to crack or become blocked over time. If you live in an older home with clay or concrete pipes, this problem can be more prevalent. To prevent this issue, have a plumber inspect your pipes regularly for signs of root intrusion. Additionally, consider removing trees that are too close to your pipes to avoid future problems.

Flushing Inappropriate Items – Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet or sink is another common cause of sewer blockages. Items such as feminine hygiene products, cooking grease, and other materials can accumulate in your pipes and cause blockages. To prevent this problem, only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. One of the most common reasons we find a plumber gets called out is because of household sink drains getting blocked with grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps that build up over time. Making sure you have an easy access recycling bin for these types of items, and adequate sink filters in place will help prevent this. You can also educate everyone in your household on proper plumbing practices, including what should and shouldn’t be flushed or poured down the drain. Consider placing signs near the toilet and sink to remind people what can and cannot be disposed of through the plumbing system.

Pipe Damage – Pipes can become damaged over time due to age, wear and tear, and ground movement. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and even collapses, causing blockages and other issues. To prevent pipe damage, have a plumber inspect your pipes on a semi-regular basis and address any issues promptly. They can identify potential problems before they become serious and recommend the appropriate repairs. Think of it like servicing your car, and making sure all the parts are up to working standards!  

Misaligned Pipes and improper installation – Pipes can become misaligned due to ground movement, poor installation, or other factors. This can cause blockages and even sewage backups. If you suspect that your pipes are misaligned, have a plumber inspect them and make any necessary repairs. The improper installation of plumbing systems can cause a range of problems, including blocked and broken sewers. If the pipes are not installed correctly, they may not function properly and could become damaged over time. This can lead to blockages, leaks, and other issues that can be costly to repair. To prevent this problem, ensure that your plumbing system is installed by licensed plumbers who uses high-quality materials and follows industry standards. Additionally, have a plumber inspect your plumbing system regularly to ensure that it’s functioning correctly and identify any potential issues before they become serious. In some cases, sewer problems can also be caused by aging infrastructure. If your home is connected to a municipal sewer system, the pipes may be decades old and in need of replacement. Similarly, if you live in an older home with older plumbing, the pipes may have reached the end of their lifespan and may need to be replaced. To prevent these issues, have a plumber inspect your plumbing system and assess its age and condition. They can recommend the appropriate repairs or replacement, which can prevent future sewer problems and ensure that your plumbing system is functioning correctly.

Heavy Rainfall and stormwater overload – One of the most common causes of blocked and broken sewers is stormwater overloading the wastewater network during heavy rain. This occurs when large amounts of rainwater enter the sewer system, overwhelming the pipes and causing backups. In some cases, stormwater can enter the sewer system through illegal connections, such as downspouts or foundation drains that are connected to the sewer instead of being directed to a stormwater drain. To prevent this, ensure that all downspouts and foundation drains are properly connected to the stormwater system. In other cases, stormwater can enter the sewer system through cracks or other damage to pipes. To prevent this, have a plumber inspect your pipes regularly and address any issues promptly. If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall, consider installing a rainwater tank or other water storage system. This can help to reduce the amount of stormwater that enters the sewer system, reducing the risk of backups and other issues.

Corrosion – Corrosion is a destructive process that can lead to serious problems in sewer systems. It occurs when materials in the pipes react with their environment and deteriorate over time. Plumbers often see chemicals, salts, and acids that are present in sewage contributing to corrosion. This is combined with exposure to severely high or extremely low temperatures, humidity, and pressure. One of the most common issues caused by corrosion is leaks. As the pipes corrode, they become weakened and more prone to cracking and breaking. This can lead to sewage leaks, which can be difficult and costly to repair. Corrosion can also cause blockages in the sewer system, as debris and sediment become trapped in the corroded areas of the pipe. To prevent corrosion in your home’s plumbing system, it’s important to use safe and appropriate products, which a plumber can assist in recommending. 

Avoid pouring harsh chemicals or substances like grease down the drain, as these can cause damage to the pipes over time. Additionally, have a licensed plumber inspect your pipes regularly to identify any signs of corrosion and recommend the best course of action. This may include cleaning the pipes or replacing corroded sections to prevent further damage. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your sewer system stays in good condition and avoid costly repairs down the line.

Poor Maintenance – Poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of sewer problems. If you neglect your pipes and other plumbing components, they are more likely to become blocked or damaged over time. To prevent issues, have a plumber inspect your pipes and other plumbing components on a semi-regular basis. This will allow them to identify any potential issues before they become more serious and require more extensive repairs. Some common examples of poor maintenance include neglecting to clean out obstructions in your drains and toilets, failing to repair leaks in a timely manner, and using harsh chemicals to unblock your pipes. Over time, these types of neglect can lead to more serious problems, such as blockages in the sewer line, backups in your plumbing system, and even water damage to your home. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems from occurring. A licensed plumber can perform routine inspections to check for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, leaks, and corrosion, and provide guidance on how to address any issues that arise. This may involve cleaning out obstructions, repairing leaks, or even replacing old or damaged pipes. By investing in regular maintenance for your home’s plumbing system, you can help ensure that it stays in good condition and avoid costly repairs down the line. It’s important to remember that even if you don’t notice any obvious signs of problems with your plumbing, regular maintenance is still necessary to catch potential issues before they become more serious. So don’t neglect your plumbing – make sure to have it inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed plumber or call Service Today Plumbers!

In conclusion, taking good care of your plumbing system is essential to prevent blocked and broken sewers, which can cause unpleasant odors, slow draining sinks, and even sewage backup. Some of the common causes of sewer problems include tree roots, flushing inappropriate items, pipe damage, misaligned pipes, heavy rainfall, corrosion, improper installation, and human error. By educating everyone in your household on proper plumbing practices, having a plumber inspect your plumbing system regularly, and addressing any issues promptly, you can prevent future sewer problems and avoid costly repairs. Remember that prevention is always better than cure, so take the necessary steps to maintain your plumbing system and ensure that it’s functioning correctly.