Whether you rely on a municipal sewer line or an onsite septic system, clogs can occur unexpectedly, causing messy backups and costly repairs if left unaddressed. As a property owner, understanding the common causes of these clogs is essential to prevent nasty surprises and expensive repairs. Trust Rooter leverages extensive expertise and knowledge to provide quality services tailored to your needs. Let’s look at the typical culprits behind sewer line clogs to help you make informed decisions. 

Accumulation of Grease and Fat

The leading cause of sewer line clogs is improper disposal of grease and fat. When you pour cooking oil, grease, and fat down drains, they may appear harmless in liquid form, but they solidify and stick to the walls of sewer pipes as temperatures drop. This buildup can constrict the flow of wastewater, causing blockages. You can prevent this by ensuring proper disposal of grease and fat and scheduling routine maintenance with a professional plumber in Hollywood.

Tree Root Intrusions

Another culprit is tree roots, which can penetrate your sewer lines through cracks or loose joints while seeking water and nutrients. Once inside the pipes, the roots can grow and expand, causing blockages and even damaging the pipes themselves. You should avoid planting trees near sewer lines and inspect your pipes for signs of root intrusion regularly. We recommend working with a trusted plumber in Hollywood, as they have specialized equipment to remove roots and repair any damage quickly.

Foreign Objects and Debris

Foreign objects flushed down toilets or washed down drains can build up in sewer lines, causing clogs. Common causes include hygiene products, paper towels, cotton swabs, and even children’s toys. These items do not break down quickly like toilet paper, making them prone to blockages. Educate your household members about what can and cannot be flushed or drained to prevent clogs.

Aging and Deteriorating Pipes

Sewer pipes can deteriorate because of corrosion, shifting soil, or general wear and tear. As pipes degrade, they may develop cracks, breaks, or collapses, which can obstruct the flow of wastewater and cause blockages. Older homes are more susceptible to this issue, as they may have pipes made from materials prone to corrosion, such as cast iron or clay. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional plumber in Hollywood can help identify and address aging or damage before they cause severe clogs or failure.

Fluctuations in Temperature

Extreme fluctuations in temperature, such as those experienced during winter months, can contribute to sewer line clogs. As temperatures drop, wastewater inside sewer pipes can freeze, causing blockages. In addition, frozen ground can cause the soil surrounding sewer pipes to shift, damaging or misaligning the pipes. During maintenance inspections, the technician can recommend insulating exposed pipes and taking measures to prevent freezing.
Understanding the causes of sewer line clogs is critical to preventing costly and inconvenient plumbing issues. By being mindful of what is flushed or washed down drains, monitoring tree roots near sewer lines, maintaining aging pipes, and taking precautions against temperature fluctuations, you can minimize the risk of sewer line clogs and preserve the integrity of your plumbing systems. Contact us at Trust Rooter and schedule a consultation with a trusted plumber in Hollywood to address underlying issues early and mitigate nasty surprises down the line.