What Causes Sewer Backups in South Jersey Homes?

I think that we can all agree that we are all extremely grateful for indoor plumbing. The real hero in every South Jersey home is the sewage system. A properly functioning sewage system with clear, well-maintained lines ensures our daily waste is thoroughly flushed or washed away with little to no hassle. No all heroes wear capes, ladies and gentlemen.

However, without the proper attention and maintenance, your sewage system can run into issues and you can end up with a sewage backup in your South Jersey home. Sewage backups are stressful and hazardous. Contaminated sewage waters need to be handle by professional sewage cleanup technicians in South Jersey. No homeowner wants to have to deal with a sewage issue, so do not neglect or misuse your drains and lines.

Most Common Causes for Sewer Backups in New Jersey

Sewage waters carry dangerous contaminates, viruses and bacteria that are potentially hazardous to humans. Exposure to sewage water contaminates can make people sick. That is why sewer backups require immediate professional attention. As a South Jersey homeowner, if you understand what causes sewer backups, so you can take the appropriate actions to prevent it. The following are a few of the most common culprits behind NJ sewer backups:

CLOGS:

The most common source of a sewage backup in the South Jersey region are clogged lines. Various debris and dirt (i.e.: excess toilet paper, hair, grease, etc.) sent down the drain can collect and clog your sewer lines. Often times, this is the result of misuse and abuse of your sewage lines without proper maintenance. Pay attention to your drains. If you have repeat backups that affect multiple drains at the same time, it could be a sign of a bigger issue at your main sewer line. You should consult a professional to resolve the issue right away.

Prevention: 

1. Regular drain maintenance- Pay attention to your drains. If you notice a drainage issue, address it right away.
2. Proper Usage- Do not treat your toilets, sinks and garbage disposal like trash receptacles. Avoid flushing items like cleaning wipes, napkins, diapers and other products down toilet. Don’t abuse your garbage disposal by sending large quantities of waste down the drain. Be careful about what makes it down your drain. Just because it fits, does not mean that is where it goes (i.e.: grease that can harden in your pipes.

TREE ROOTS:

Tree roots are notoriously strong and vicious. Underground tree roots can stretch several feet beyond the tree itself. In some cases, roots can grow into or around your sewer pipes. This can cause holes, blockages, or complete breakage.

The problem with trees is beyond the surface. Like an iceberg, you can never quite tell what trouble is lurking underneath. Even if you do not have any trees planted above or near your sewage lines, roots from neighboring yards can encroach on your line and still cause problems.

Prevention:

1. Remove trees and tree roots near your sewer line before they can do any damage to your lines.
2. If you suspect that tree roots might be a problem for your sewer line, consider having your lines inspected. Early detecting allows homeowners the opportunity to address a tree root issue before it has the chance to do too much damage.

BROKEN LINES:

Older homes in New Jersey were commonly constructed with cast iron or clay sewer lines. These materials tend to rapidly deteriorate over time. Aging sewage systems can break down, crack and warp with time. This leads to sewage backups and leaves homeowners with sewage flooded NJ basements and/or sewage flooded NJ crawl spaces.

The American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that the nation’s 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old. This means that your NJ home could be connected to any already aging sewage system.

Prevention:

1. Plastic pipes have become the norm in more recent constructions. If you are concerned that your pipes might be deteriorating, you should consider replaced your pipes with plastic pipes.
2. If you are considering replacing your pipes, consult a professional that will be able to suggest a appropriate piping options for your South Jersey home.

Cleaning Up After Sewer Backups in South Jersey

If problems with your sewage lines have resulted in a sewer backups in your New Jersey home or business, you need to contact a professional for help. Sewage water contains human waste and bodily fluids that carry countless bacteria and viruses. Exposure to contaminated waters without the necessary personal protection can be dangerous.  A professional sewer backup cleanup crew in South Jersey will have the necessary training, equipment and personal protection to safely and effectively extract the sewage waters and thoroughly dry out your structure following sewer backups.

The experts at Mastertech Environmental are properly trained and prepared to safely and effectively cleanup after sewage backups in homes throughout your New Jersey area.