Why Do I Have a Clogged Sewer Line? Understanding Common Causes

At Wexford Plumbing, located in Scarborough, ON, we often receive calls from distressed homeowners dealing with clogged sewer lines. A clogged sewer line not only disrupts your daily activities but can also cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Understanding the common causes of these clogs can help you prevent potential issues and maintain a smoothly functioning sewer system.

Common Causes of Clogged Sewer Lines

1. Tree Root Intrusion One of the most common culprits behind sewer line clogs is tree root intrusion. Roots seek moisture and can find their way into even the smallest cracks or joints in your sewer pipes, eventually growing and obstructing the flow or even causing pipe breaks.
   
   What You Can Do: Regularly inspect the area around your sewer lines for signs of root intrusion and consider root barriers if necessary. If you suspect roots have infiltrated your sewer pipes, our sewer line repair services can help remove the roots and repair any damage.

2. Flushing Inappropriate Items Flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste can severely impact your sewer line. Common non-flushable items that often cause blockages include sanitary products, wipes (even those labeled as flushable), paper towels, and other foreign objects.
   
   What You Can Do: Educate your household about what should not be flushed down the toilet. Regular drain cleaning can also help maintain clear pipes and prevent the buildup of inappropriately flushed items.

3. Grease Buildup Grease is a notorious problem for sewer lines. When washed down kitchen sinks, it cools, solidifies, and sticks to the interior of sewer pipes, eventually leading to significant blockages.
   
   What You Can Do: Never pour grease down the drain. Instead, dispose of it in the trash. Consider installing grease traps if your home has a high usage of oils in cooking. Wexford Plumbing offers installations that can help manage grease and prevent sewer blockages.

4. Pipe Scale and Sediment Buildup Over time, minerals and other materials can deposit inside pipes, reducing flow capacity and eventually causing blockages. This is particularly common in older pipes made from cast iron or clay.
   
   What You Can Do: Regular inspections and hydro jetting can clear out scale and sediment buildup, restoring full pipe capacity. Learn more about our preventive maintenance services.

5. Structural Damage to Pipes Aging pipes, poor installation, or shifting soil can lead to broken, collapsed, or sagging pipes that impede proper sewage flow.
   
   What You Can Do: Schedule regular pipe inspections and maintenance with Wexford Plumbing to catch and address damage before it leads to severe blockages or backups.

Preventing Sewer Line Clogs

Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding costly and disruptive sewer line clogs. At Wexford Plumbing, we provide comprehensive services designed to keep your home’s plumbing in optimal condition. From high-tech sewer inspections to thorough cleanings, our licensed plumbing professionals use the latest technologies and methods to ensure your pipes are free from obstructions.

For more tips on how to maintain your plumbing system or to schedule a service, visit our blog or contact us. Trust Wexford Plumbing for all your plumbing needs — we guarantee timely, efficient, and cost-effective solutions tailored to your unique situation. Put your plumbing worries to rest with our expert team, serving Wexford, Scarborough, and Richmond Hill with excellence and dedication.