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What is a Sewer Backup?


While floods are probably best known for causing widespread water damage to homes and businesses, they can also cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up into houses through drain pipes. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult and costly to repair but also can create health hazards.

Most homeowners and business owners may not realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house or sewer lateral – the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main, usually is located under the street and the building. The sewer lateral is owned and maintained by the property owner including any part that may extend into the street or public right of way. A cracked or weakened lateral or one filled with tree roots can allow groundwater to seep into the system, contributing to the possible sewer backup problems in the future.

These are some of the main reasons for a sewer backup. Let’s discuss them one by one:

Clogs
Just like your drain pipes, your main sewer line can become clogged, which can cause sewage backups in your home. If it is just one toilet, sink or tub that seems to be giving you a problem, it may just be a clog in that drain. If, however, every flush creates a sewage backup in your home, you likely have a blockage in your main sewer line.

Tree Roots
Another common cause of home sewer backups is tree roots. Even if the area directly above your sewer line is free of trees, roots from a neighboring yard could be the cause of your sewer problem.

Tree roots can cause a couple of problems for your sewer lines - they can grow into the pipes and cause cracks and blockages or they may wrap around your sewer line and crush it.

Broken or Collapsed Sewer Lines
If your home is older, your sewer backup could be caused by broken, cracked or collapsed lines. Although plastic sewer lines have now become the norm, older homes were built using cast iron and clay piping that can break down over time and create sewer problems.

If you have any problems with your home sewer backups, call the qualified, licensed technicians at West Michigan Septic Sewer & Drain Service who will quickly diagnose and get your sewer system back to safely functioning. Contact us today through these numbers:

Muskegon:         231-739-7423
Grand Haven:     616-847-1072
Whitehall:           231-893-4252
Holland:               616-392-8988
Coopersville:     616-837-1800
Allendale:            616-895-9080
Twin Lake:           231-828-5595

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