Common Reasons Why Your Sewer Line or Drain Pipe is Clogged

A clogged sewer line or drain pipe can be a frustrating and potentially costly plumbing problem for homes and businesses alike. It would be nice if there was one simple, easy answer to what is causing the issue, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. In fact, there are many reasons why a blockage can form in your plumbing system that can cause slow drains, sewer back-ups, and a variety of other concerns. 

Roots in Pipes

Trees add plenty of value to the appearance of your property, but they can also be a threat to your sewer line, which is the underground pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system. Tree roots can sense and are naturally attracted to the water and nutrients that flow through the sewer line. Over time, roots can grow into small cracks or even break through old, brittle pipe material such as clay or Orangeburg. Once the tree roots have invaded the sewer line, they create a blockage that can be difficult to remove and prevent future reoccurrences. 

Drain Clog

In busy homes and businesses, it’s not a question of if drains and drain pipes will get clogged – it’s a matter of when. Most (but not all) drain clogs occur in the P-trap below the drain or the trapway of a toilet. These curved features are similar in that they hold a small amount of water to prevent gases and pests from coming up through the sewer system. However, traps are also where solid contents can collect and get stuck, preventing water and other waste from passing through. Once the blockage is retrieved or pushed through the trap, the drain should return to normal.

Sewer Clog

A sewer clog is found deeper in the plumbing system – underground, to be more precise. If the sewer line is blocked or compromised in any way, sewage water can back up into the home and multiple drains will refuse to flow properly. In addition to root intrusion, sewer lines can become clogged by household waste or blocked by pipes cracking or crumbling. 

Grease Clog

Grease is one of your plumbing system’s worth enemies. If you want to avoid frequent clogs, then remember FOG – fats, oils, and grease. When heated (such as during cooking), these substances are in a liquid state. But once they’re poured down the drain and cool, they congeal and get stuck to the inner walls of pipes. Not only can FOG clog drains on their own, but they can trap other solid items that make the blockages even worse.

Scaling, Mineral Build Up

It’s estimated that nearly 90% of homes have hard water, which contains high levels of certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium. In general, these minerals are harmless to our health, but they can have an impact on our home’s plumbing. Calcium deposits can build up and form limescale, which can disrupt the flow of drains and pipes. 

Rust, Corrosion

Old, metal pipes are prone to rust and corrosion, which can cause the inside of the pipe to become rough and increase the chance of grease or foreign objects getting stuck. Rusted or corroded pipes can also crack or burst, resulting in leaks and other plumbing issues. 

Hair, Lint, Wipes, Foreign Objects

Drain systems are only designed to handle water and typical waste. Many clogs can be started or worsened by debris and foreign objects making their way into pipes, including:

• Hair in tub and sink drains
• Lint from washing machines
• Wipes flushed down the toilet (even if they are labeled as “flushable”)
• Solid objects that are accidentally dropped into drains or flushed down toilets

Solutions We Provide to Solve Drain or Sewer Line Clogging

When it comes to successfully clearing a clog in a drain or sewer line, it’s important to have the right tool for the job. At Roots Be Gone, we use a variety of technology and equipment to address the specific blockage in your plumbing. 

Our solutions include:

• Camera inspection
• Hydro jetting
• Picote machines
• Cable rodding, snaking, rootering
• Cleaning and vacuum pumping

Why Choose Us

Clogs in drain pipes and sewer lines are common plumbing problems – but that doesn’t mean any plumber can effectively fix the issue. At Roots Be Gone, we use the most advanced technology available, along with a targeted approach, to successfully clear blockages while also limiting disruption to your building and property. To find out how we solve clogs other companies can’t, call us today at (844) 517-0090.