You have likely had the unpleasant experience of a slow-moving drain, whether in the shower, tub, sink, or all three. No one likes to see remaining bits of soap and muck leaving a ring around their sink due to how long it takes to drain.
We want our drains to do their jobs because when they don’t, it’s extremely noticeable.
You might wonder what’s going on down there to make things go so slowly. Keep reading for the most common reasons your sewer backs up.
Your sewer system
Did you know that your existing sewer system could be the cause of your slow drains? Your home likely uses the sanitary sewer system as it is one of the main types of sewer systems used for residential areas.
However, that is not always the case, and your unique system could be causing your problems.
Backup due to your sewer system is more common in cities as they tend to use a combined sewer system. A combined sewer system collects wastewater and rainwater in the same pipes, which leads to an increased risk of damaged or backed-up pipes.
Nearby tree roots
Yes, really — tree roots are among the most common reasons for sewer backups.
These tall and mighty pillars of nature tend to have massive roots that can extend out nearly five times more than their radius. Although this is natural, these incredibly strong roots can force their way into your sewer line, which can cause a whole host of problems.
The roots’ weight and winding nature can easily crack, crush, and damage your pipes.
Personal items clogging the pipes
Many of us tend to look at our pipes as miniature black holes that make everything we don’t want to see disappear.
However, the truth is that sewer pipes are quite delicate, vast, and intricate. We can’t put just anything down the drain and expect it to move along easily.
Avoid putting wet wipes, napkins, or feminine hygiene items down the toilet as they can easily cause a clog. This can be difficult for some as it seems second nature, but these minor changes will save you so much time, energy, and money in the long run.
