Main Sewer Line Blocked? Here Is Why

Common Reasons For Sewer Line Blocked

1. Grease Build-up
2. Poor Water Flow
3. Bad Pipe Installation
4. Hair
5. Toiletries
6. Dirt and Plants
7. Foreign Objects
8. Broken Pipes
9. Heavy Rains or Storms

1. Grease Build-up 

Generally, grease and fat build in your kitchen sink over time which is one of the main reasons your main sewer is blocked. Grease is a very common cause of a blocked drain or pipe, and it's very tough to remove grease from the pipe.

Whenever you wash anything sticky or greasy substance in the sink, this will eventually build up inside the pipes. As a result, water cannot pass properly. And the saddest thing is, no matter how much you try you cannot stop the grease or oil builds up in the pipe.

But at least you can try to be aware of it and now you may think how? Well, try to avoid washing any fatty items in the sink as much its possible.

To prevent the grease build up in your pipe, you can purchase a grease collector - you will find it in any super shop.

2. Poor Water Flow

Water flow is also somewhat responsible for blocking your drain when it has poor water flow. It may be the cause of sediment as a result, your pipe will be blocked. This may happen in the showerheads or some parts in the taps and it reduces the water pressure. When water flows through the pipe, it carries dissolved minerals which cause the clogged line.

To avoid this, you can keep cleaning the pipe yourself - you can regularly clean the shower heads and other removable parts. You can soak them in the vinegar-water solution overnight then clean it with a brush.

And if this doesn't help you then we'd suggest you go to a professional to solve the problem.

3. Bad Pipe Installation 

Another drain blockage issue could be if your home pipe is not installed properly. You can apply different DIY projects to renovate your home but it's not recommended to install the pipes. Also, it's important to seek help from professionals.

However, when the pipe is not installed properly it also causes blockage. It may fracture the pipe or provide incorrect water flow. In these terms, repairing is very costly.

Note: Always seek help from the licensed plumber to install the pipe at your home - only they know everything correctly.

So if you face any issues then seek the help of a professional plumber and let him inspect and solve the issues. Don't try to do anything yourself.

4. Hair 

This is one of the common and main reasons for blocked pipe - build up hair directly clogging your drain. Most of the time, it's very simple to remove hair from the pipe and if you fail to do it, then it will be a great issue. That's because the hair will straightly fall down to the line.

You can put a long-term solution not to fall hair to the pipe, and you can fix it by yourself. Try to pull out hair from the pipe (make sure you wear gloves).

Or if you cannot do this then you can purchase a drain spider - its a pipe cleaning device or simply you can speak to the blocked drain specialist.

5. Toiletries 

Disposing toiletries down the drain is a bigger problem that causes pipe blockage. If you flushed down baby wipes or nappies to the toilet then these things will block the pipes, as well as the drains. Moreover, this is a dreadful thing for the environment that's why it is recommended to dispose of toiletries the right way.

In your home, you should take these items with the garbage and make sure never put them into the toilet.

Remember, if you dispose of them in the toilet then it would be very costly.

6. Dirt and Plants

In the spring or autumn season, natural debris such as dirt or trees spreads quickly which can also block the main sewer pipe. Make sure you maintain your garden regularly or outdoor areas - it's a very essential thing to do. The tree roots are the culprit to damaging the pipes as they grow underneath and search for water.

If you want to keep your pipe in a good position then keep your outdoor areas clean from falling down leaves or debris. If any leaves fall down on the area for a long time then they will clog the drain quickly.

7. Foreign Objects 

Foreign materials, such as - electronic waste, children's toys or soap, sanitary items, or any foreign objects can be dropped down the drain. And eventually, this will block the drain. So you should not flush any items to the toilet or washdown.

To get rid of this situation, you should keep watch on your children so that they don't flush anything. Also, make sure you dispose of the sanitary items or food scraps in the bin.

8. Broken Pipes

Your pipe can be broken due to general wear or tear and tree roots. Compared to blockage the pipe this is becoming more susceptible. And if you can't see the broken pipe this is very difficult to diagnose the issue.

Moreover, if you do not have adequate space then it will not be easier to diagnose the issues. You can check the pipe inside the home that you can reach easily or visible. And must be you should take help from a professional.

And they may need to apply a pipe repair clamp, shut off the water valve or replace the damaged section.

So these were 8 common reasons for blocking the main sewer line.