Common Causes of Drain Backups
Drains can back up due to localized clogs in a single fixture, or a major obstruction in your main underground sewer lateral. Here are the primary culprits:
- Main Sewer Line Blockage: If multiple fixtures are backing up simultaneously (e.g., flushing the toilet makes water bubble up in the shower), the blockage is in your main sewer lateral.
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots seek out moisture and enter pipe joints. Once inside, they grow into thick webs that trap grease, toilet paper, and waste.
- Grease & Food Buildup: Pouring cooking oil, fats, and food scrapings down the kitchen sink coating the pipe walls. Over time, this grease solidifies and chokes off flow.
- Flushable Wipes & Sanitary Products: Despite their labeling, 'flushable' wipes do not break down in water and frequently catch on pipe joints, causing severe blockages.
What to Do Immediately
If you experience a backup, stop running all water immediately. Do not run the dishwasher, washing machine, or faucets, as this will only add wastewater to the system and cause more flooding. Do not pour chemical drain cleaners down the pipe; they rarely resolve main line issues and can corrode your plumbing pipes.
Locate your main sewer cleanout (usually a brass or plastic capped pipe in your yard or sidewalk) and call a licensed plumber to perform a professional drain cleaning or diagnostic check.