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Common Sewer Backups and Quick Fixes

Homeowners Can Do Quick Fixes During Sewer Backups

In this month’s blog, Montgomery Sanitation talks about common sewer backups and quick fixes. When homeowners have a sewer backup, it’s a disgusting and confusing problem.  When the waste from your sewer comes back through the pipes it feels like a disaster for you. There are some common causes of sewer backups. These are things you should avoid doing.

 

Clogs Are the Most Common Cause for Sewer Backups

Clogs are the most common cause for sewer backups. The only things homeowners should really be flushing are human waste and toilet paper. When you flush cotton products, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products, you’re harming the sewer system and the environment. Sometimes, even flushable products do not disintegrate as efficiently as they should.

 

It’s Been a Long Time Since Sewer Pumping

Another reason why you might be experiencing sewer backups is that you haven’t pumped your sewer enough. You should get your sewer pumped every three to five years. You might be worried about the costs of septic pumping every three to five years. We know in tough economic times like these, everybody is trying to save money. But if you think about it, pumping your septic system every three to five years is very cost effective.

 

Structural Damage Could Cause Sewer Backups

When you have damage to your sewer, it can cause problems. Tree roots are a major reason for structural damage At Montgomery Sanitation, we often see tree roots grow around and into septic tanks and lines through small cracks. We can perform a septic tank and pipe cleaning to rid the tank of the roots. The growth of the roots will make the cracks worse the longer they continue to grow.

 

A Simple Plunger Could Take Care of Small Clogs

As far as quick fixes are concerned, you can use a plunger for small clogs. The plunger will help clear the clogs and get the waste flowing back in the right direction. A plunger won’t likely work for large backups, but it is a quick fix for clogs in your home.

 

Find the Sewer Cleanout Line, and Open the Lid

You can also find the sewer cleanout line in your yard. If you don’t know where or what this is, it’s a white pipe with a screw-on lid seal. When you open this, it can release pressure in your system. It could possibly help the level of your system fall, saving you from a backup.

 

Don’t Try to Clean the Wastewater Yourself

You could be tempted to clean up the wastewater yourself. Don’t do this. The wastewater is highly contaminated, and can affect your health. If there’s a serious backup, the best option is to call a professional like Montgomery Sanitation.

Reach out to  Montgomery Sanitation today by calling (540) 382-2205. Feel free to check out our Facebook page for the latest company information. We are proud to educate our customers about common sewer backups and quick fixes.