Tag: professional plumber

Why does my sewer keep backing up? When raw sewage starts flooding into your home or business, it’s not just a mess; it’s a nightmare. The culprits behind these occurrences can widely vary, and a little research goes a long way in identifying them.

As the go-to plumbers in Hurricane, Utah, we at Iron Mountain Plumbing know a thing or two about plumbing complications and their underlying causes. Keep reading as we lend some insight and help you turn those frustrating experiences into valuable lessons.

Common Causes of Backups in Hurricane

Knowing the root of the problem is half the battle. The most likely reasons for your sewer issue include:

Tree Root Infiltration

Do you have trees growing in your yard? Their root systems constantly search for moisture and nutrients to sustain their growth. This search can lead them to sewer lines, which are an abundant source of both.

Roots invade even the most minute cracks in underground pipework, eventually creating significant blockages. When this happens, the natural flow of waste becomes obstructed and causes backups.

Clogs

Daily activities like washing dishes, taking showers, and flushing the toilet can all lead to blockages. It’s easy to overlook what we send down the drain, but we recommend you avoid dropping or pouring:

• Grease and oil: These substances might flow easily when hot, but they solidify as they cool. They stick to the linings on your pipes and accumulate over time.
• Coffee grounds: Despite their tiny particles, coffee grounds tend to clump together and do not dissolve in water.
• Hair: Do you shave regularly or have pets that you bathe? Hair easily tangles and forms masses that obstruct water flow.
• Food scraps: Starchy items like rice, pasta, and bread will expand with water and become a sticky mess. They usually decompose over time but may form clogs in large quantities.
• Hygiene items: Some people habitually throw paper towels, sanitary products, and other non-flushable items down the toilet. Aside from toilet paper and flushable wipes (though even these can clog in abundance), always have a dedicated trash bin for other items to avoid headaches.
• Small objects: It’s surprising what can find its way into your plumbing, like toys or jewelry. If you have children, take the time to educate them on what should and shouldn’t go down each fixture.

Why does my sewer keep backing up? You can help prevent this issue with extra care, but some clogs form even when you remain diligent.

The water in Hurricane has a high concentration of minerals, especially in the north end of town. It can create a buildup of scale within your pipes over time. That’s why many homes and businesses get water-softening systems.

System Damage

Land shifts and sinkholes can pressure underground pipes and create cracks or misalignments. These disruptions leave openings for debris to enter and obstruct the flow of waste.

As waste builds up, it eventually has nowhere to go but back into your drains and fixtures. If the ground surrounding your Hurricane property suddenly becomes uneven, don’t ignore it. Err on the side of caution and let a professional plumber take a look.

An Obsolete Sewer Line

Aging plumbing may significantly contribute to backups, no matter how diligent you are with upkeep. Older cast iron, Orangeburg (bituminized fiber), or clay piping can deteriorate from corrosion or general wear. These materials are also more susceptible to cracks, breaks, and collapses than modern PVC or HDPE pipes.

If your home or commercial space dates back to the early to mid-20th century, it’s likely time for an upgrade. A new sewage system won’t just help prevent backups; it will also boost your property value, minimize maintenance costs, and give you peace of mind for years.

Heavy Rainfall

Did your property recently experience a heavy downpour? Hurricane might not have wet seasons, but it’s not immune to sudden bouts of rain that overwhelm sewer systems.

Too much water infiltrating your lines can cause them to back up into your property. Proper drainage solutions like French drains or sump pumps can significantly alleviate this issue.

Does your yard have slopes or low-lying areas? Consider grading the landscape to guide rainwater away from your outdoor drains and foundation. Don’t wait for the next storm to act; take proactive measures to safeguard your home or business before it’s too late.

Local Waste System Failures

The issue sometimes doesn’t stem from your property at all but from the municipal sewer line. Faults or overflows in the main system may lead to backups that affect multiple homes and businesses in Hurricane.

These instances are fairly rare, so you shouldn’t worry excessively. It still pays to stay informed about your utility provider’s maintenance schedules and any ongoing work that may impact your plumbing.

Detecting an Impending Sewage Backup in Hurricane, UT

You may still wonder, “Why does my sewer keep backing up?” To avoid the stress and mess of this situation, know that your plumbing will usually give several warning signs before a full-blown backup occurs. Watch out for the following:

• Awful odors: When off smells start permeating your indoor spaces, check your drains. You’ve found your first red flag if you catch a stronger whiff of rotten eggs or waste; it’s probably a blockage pushing sewer gases back up through your pipes.
• Sluggish drains: Does your sink, toilet, or shower take longer than usual to drain? One easy way to isolate the problem area involves pouring a bucket of water into each and noting which drains empty the slowest.
• Unusual noises: An ominous symphony of bubbles and gurgles from your drains often indicates trapped air within your pipes due to blockages. The sooner you address these sounds, the better your chances of preventing bigger headaches.
• Changes in your yard: Never disregard spots that seem lusher than others, wet areas, or mini sinkholes forming; these changes typically point to leaks or breaks in underground lines.

The Dangers of Backups in Hurricane

The unpleasant smells and mess are enough to ruin anyone’s day, but these are the least of your concerns when dealing with a sewage backup, which may also lead to:

• Health risks: Raw sewage contains dangerous pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that pose many obvious dangers. Direct exposure to or inhaling these contaminants can cause illnesses ranging from mild gastroenteritis to serious infections.
• Mold growth: Mold thrives in moist, dark environments, and a backup creates the perfect breeding ground. It can spread quickly through your property once it starts growing, and the last thing you want is a harrowing cleanup and remediation process.
• Property damage: The moisture from backups can seep into your walls, floors, and personal belongings. Why wait for costly repairs when you can take swift action?

What To Do When You Have a Backup

What To Do When You Have a Backup

If the problem is already here, you can take several steps to prevent it from snowballing and protect yourself and your Hurricane property:

• Don’t try to clean the mess on your own to minimize health risks.
• Wash yourself thoroughly if you come into contact with any contaminated water.
• Shut off your water supply immediately and avoid using your fixtures until the backup clears.
• Open your doors and windows to ventilate the area and reduce the presence of harmful gases.
• Document the damage and inform your insurance company.
• Call a trusted plumber as soon as possible.

How Do You Find the Right Professional in Hurricane?

Instead of asking yourself, “Why does my sewer keep backing up?” and playing guessing games, leave the detective work to an expert. It saves you time, stress, and potentially costly mistakes. Look for a plumber with:

• Licensing and insurance: Avoid fly-by-night companies by asking for essential documentation first. You get peace of mind that they will accomplish the job safely and up to code.
• A solid reputation: Go online or talk to neighbors and friends for recommendations. Look for common experiences praising their reliability, punctuality, and quality of work or lack thereof.
• 24/7 availability: Plumbing disasters rarely follow a 9-to-5 schedule, so it pays to choose a plumber with emergency servicing to tackle unexpected crises at any hour of the day.
• Free estimates: Did you have a bad experience or two with surprise charges? A good plumbing professional in Hurricane should provide transparent, no-obligation quotes so you can budget accordingly.
• Live answers: The rising trend of automated systems can feel frustrating, so find a plumber who prioritizes human interaction for a more reassuring and personalized experience.

A Hurricane Plumbing Crew You Can Depend On

“Why does my sewer keep backing up?” you ask. When your plumbing gives you persistent trouble, Iron Mountain Plumbing has you covered.

We will conduct a camera inspection to detect grease, hair, or other issues within your pipework. A thorough assessment helps us pinpoint the source of your backups and deliver the most lasting solution. Our specialists also keep you in the loop and answer your concerns in detail.

Dial 435•241•7031, or read more of our blog and discover the secret to hiring the best plumbers.