A sewage backup in your home is not only unpleasant, it can also lead to serious health issues. As a result, you must have all problems fixed by a plumber as soon as they occur. You should also be aware of how issues begin in the first place, which will help you avoid them. Here are a few important points to keep in mind. 

What Causes Backups in Sewer Lines?

1. Plumbing Clogs

What goes down your household drain can have a big impact on the health of your sewer line. In the bathroom, all paper products except toilet paper should be thrown out and not flushed. Paper towels, facial tissues, wet wipes, and other items will not break down efficiently in water, which can lead to major obstructions. In the kitchen, make sure you're dumping fats, oils, and grease into the trash and not down the drain. Additionally, all drains should have traps to prevent debris and foreign objects from getting stuck. 

2. Tree Roots

Plant roots seek out water underground, which can lead them directly to your plumbing system. Over time, roots may actually infiltrate pipes and cause leaks as well as obstructions. All homeowners should know where their pipes are around their homes, which you can determine with the help of a plumber. From there, consider removing any trees that are too close to your system. Trees should be as many feet away from underground pipes as they'll reach in maturity, so a 20-foot tree should be at least 20 feet away from the system. 

3. Sewer Line Damage

In some cases, damage to the sewer line itself can cause obstructions. If part of the pipe collapses, waste water will have nowhere to go and may flow backwards to the drains in your home. Outdated plumbing materials have a greater risk of collapse, particularly those made from galvanized steel. In this case, the sewer line will need to be replaced with modern materials, such as PVC and copper. Not only will replacement address the issue, it can also prevent future damage from occurring. 

When you have a sewer problem in your home, turn to the plumbers at Baity Plumbing Co. Serving customers throughout Thomasville, NC since 1976, they can efficiently diagnose problems and develop an effective repair solution. They can even install new plumbing fixtures, such as pipes, toilets, sinks, and more. These professionals are also skilled at septic maintenance and repair to ensure a sanitary and comfortable home. Visit the website to learn more about their plumbing services, or call (336) 475-0921 to schedule an appointment today.