Clogged Drains & Sewage Backups: What’s To Blame?

Key Takeaways:

1. Clogged drains are the leading cause of home sewage backup.
2. Common causes of clogs include hair, soap & shampoo residue, grease/oil, paper products, food waste, flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products, and children’s toys.
3. To unclog drains without causing further damage to your plumbing system, boil water and use a plunger or drain snake if needed.
4. Hiring an experienced plumber to diagnose and repair a plumbing emergency is best, as this will save time and money in the long run.

Meet Bob, an average homeowner who likes to keep his home clean. One morning he woke up to find his bathroom sinks clogged. He attempted to fix the issue himself, but that only worsened it.

He thought it was a minor issue until he noticed the water wasn’t draining properly in the shower and toilet. To make matters worse, he smelled something funky in the air. Bob’s home had suffered from a sewage backup, and he was in a state of panic. As he called the plumber to fix the issue, he wondered what could have caused this problem in the first place.

Did you know that clogged pipes are the main perpetrators of home sewage backup? And many of these clogs could have been prevented by avoiding a few things to flush. J & E Restoration Pros will explore the surprising causes of clogged drains and sewage backups, from tree roots to cooking oil. We’ll also provide tips on dealing with this plumbing emergency. Ultimately, we’ll also cover the significance of calling an expert plumber instead of DIY repairs.

Top 8 Things That Cause Clogged Drains and Sewage Backup

1. Hair

Although short hair may not be an issue, if you have long hair or multiple people are using the same shower, you will likely have a clogged drain from all the hair. When the hair gets caught up in the pipe, it can cause a significant blockage, leading to a backup. One way to prevent hair from getting in your drain is to use a hair catcher or drain guard. It will prevent hair from getting in the pipe and prevent clogged drains.

2. Soap and Shampoo Residue

Over time, soap and shampoo residue can accumulate on the inside of the pipes, causing them to be blocked up. To avoid this, use a drain cleaner regularly to help break down any buildup that may have accumulated over time.

3. Grease & Oils

Water and oil don’t go well together; cooking oil or fat should never be poured down the drain as these can congeal the pipes and form a blockage. Properly dispose of used grease by allowing it to cool before using a paper towel to soak it up and throw it away with the regular trash.

4. Paper Products

Always follow the three P’s when flushing: Pee, poo, and paper (toilet paper). Diapers, facial tissues, and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet. These products can cause a blockage in your pipelines as they expand when wet, which may lead to a sewage backup. Dispose of these products through regular trash disposal instead of flushing them down the toilet.

5. Food Waste

One of the most common causes of clogs is food waste being thrown down the sink or garbage disposal. Though food waste may seem harmless, it can quickly accumulate in your drainpipes and form an obstruction that can be difficult to clear without professional help.

6. Flushable Wipes

Though many brands label their product as “flushable,” these wipes can often still cause blockages due to their size and consistency compared to traditional toilet paper. It’s best practice to dispose of wipes with regular trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.

7. Feminine Hygiene Products

Like flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products are often mislabeled as safe to flush. However, these products can cause severe clogs and backups in your home’s sewer system. Be sure to dispose of these items in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.

8. Children’s Toys

It may seem harmless for a child to flush their favorite toy down the toilet, but these small objects can quickly become lodged in your drainpipes and cause a backup. If you have a child in your home, watch what they’re flushing down the toilet.

Unclogging Tips for Plumbing Emergency

Now that you know what to avoid flushing down your toilet, it’s time to learn what to do if you are dealing with this plumbing emergency. These tips will help you get your drains flowing freely again.

1. Identify the Clog

The next step is to try to identify the clog. It will help you determine what course of action you need to take.

2. Boil Water

One of the simplest ways to unclog a drain is to boil water and pour it down the drain. This method works best if the clog is caused by grease or soap buildup.

3. Use a Plunger

If boiling water doesn’t do the trick, you may need a plunger. Be sure to cover the overflow hole with the plunger before you start so that you can create a seal. Plunging should loosen most types of clogs.

4. Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a flexible metal piece that can help break up stubborn clogs. Be careful when using a drain snake so you don’t damage your pipes. It’s best to call in an expert plumber rather than deal with this plumbing emergency.

Why Hire an Expert Plumber for Dealing with Plumbing Emergency?

Although you may want to deal with a plumbing emergency yourself, we recommend hiring an expert plumber instead.

1. Professional Experience and Knowledge

An experienced plumber will have the specialized tools, knowledge, and experience to quickly, safely, and efficiently identify the root cause of a clogged drain or sewage backup. They can also provide you with advice on how to prevent future issues.

2. Minimizing Damage

A professional plumber knows how to unclog drains without causing additional harm or damage to your plumbing system. DIY repair attempts often generate further damage, which can be expensive to fix later down the line.

3. Cost Savings

Hiring an expert plumber may cost more initially than attempting a DIY repair. Still, it’ll save you money in the long run. They can diagnose the problem correctly and repair it with minimal disruption, meaning you won’t have to pay for unexpected and costly additional work.

Related: When Tree Roots Spell Trouble: Simple Ways To Avoid Clogged Drains

Conclusion

Clogged drains and sewage backups can be a nightmare for homeowners. The good news is that identifying the cause of the issue, unclogging your drains, and preventing future problems can be satisfactorily handled by hiring an experienced plumber. Not only will they know how to quickly and effectively address the issues you’re facing, but they’ll also be able to identify what caused them in the first place – reducing the risk of recurring similar problems.

Get Emergency Plumbing from J & E Restoration Pros for Dealing with Clogged Drains and Sewage Backup in Buford, GA

If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, look no further than J & E Restoration Pros in Buford, GA. We are experts in dealing with emergency plumbing and can help you with any clogged drain or sewage backup issues you may have. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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