What Are The Different Types Of Sewage Blockages?

Sewage blockages can be a huge problem for homeowners. If you are not sure what the different types of sewage blockages are or how to prevent them, read on! In this blog post, Oak Plumbing will discuss the different types of sewage blockages and how to avoid them. We will also provide some tips on how to deal with a sewage blockage if it does occur.

Split drainage pipe caused by ingress of tree roots

What causes sewage blockages?

There are many things that can cause sewage blockages. Some of the most common causes are:

Foreign objects

Things like paper towels, sanitary napkins, and baby wipes can get caught in sewage pipes and cause blockages. Hair can also clog sewage pipes. These items should not be flushed down the toilet as they can cause sewage pipe blockages.

Tree roots

Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in sewage, which can cause them to grow into sewage pipes. Tree roots can grow into sewage pipes and cause blockages.

Grease and oil

Grease: Pouring grease down the drain can cause sewage pipes to become clogged. When grease cools, it can solidify and cling to the sides of sewage pipes, eventually causing a blockage.

Cracked or broken pipes

Sewage pipes can become cracked or broken over time. This can cause sewage to leak into the ground and contaminate groundwater.

Poor installation

Poorly installed sewage pipes can cause a variety of problems, including blockages. Sewage pipes should be installed by a qualified professional to ensure that they are installed correctly.

Offset joints

Offset joints are one of the most common causes of sewage pipe blockages. Offset joints occur when two sewage pipes are not properly aligned. This can cause sewage to get trapped in the offset, eventually causing a blockage.

Sags and bellies

Sags and bellies are another common cause of sewage pipe blockages. Sags occur when a sewage pipe is not level, and bellies occur when a sewage pipe is higher in the middle than it is at the ends. These can both cause sewage to pool in the pipe, eventually causing a blockage.

Where do sewage blockages occur?

Sewage blockages can occur anywhere in the sewage system, but they are most common in the main sewer line. The main sewer line is the pipe that carries sewage from your home to the sewage treatment plant. Sewage blockages can be a nuisance, but they can also be serious. If you have a sewage blockage, it is important to call a plumber to clear it as soon as possible.

The most common places to find sewage blockages include:

Blocked toilet

The most common type of sewage blockages are caused by blocked toilets. Toilets can become blocked when someone tries to flush something that is too big, such as a toy or a piece of clothing. They can also become blocked if there is a lot of toilet paper build-up in the pipes.

Blocked kitchen sink

Another common type of sewage blockages are caused by blocked kitchen sinks. Kitchen sinks can become blocked when people try to wash something down the drain that is too big, such as food. They can also become blocked if there is a lot of grease build-up in the pipes. Garbage disposals in kitchen sinks are a major culprit of blockages, since homeowners often use them improperly to dispose of waste that garbage disposals are not designed to handle.

Laundry sink blockage

Laundry sink blockages are also relatively common. These can be caused by people putting too much laundry down the sink at once, or by people trying to wash something down the drain that is too big. Lint from laundry can also build up in the pipes and cause a blockage.

Blocked sewer drain and lines

One of the most serious sewage blockages is a blocked sewer drain or line. This can happen if roots from trees or shrubs grow into the pipes, or if there is a build-up of grease, soap scum, or sewage in the pipes. A blocked sewer drain or line can cause sewage to back up into your home, which can be a health hazard. If you have a sewage blockage, it is important to call a plumber to clear it as soon as possible.

Bathroom sink blockage

Another common sewage blockage is a bathroom sink blockage. This can happen if you have a build-up of hair, soap scum, or toothpaste in your pipes. A bathroom sink blockage can also be caused by a foreign object, such as a toy, being flushed down the toilet and getting stuck in the pipes. If you have a bathroom sink blockage, you should call a plumber to clear it as soon as possible.

Shower drain blockage

A shower drain blockage can be caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum, or mildew. A shower drain blockage can also be caused by a foreign object, such as a toy, being flushed down the toilet and getting stuck in the pipes.

Gutter blockage

Gutter blockages are caused by a build-up of leaves, twigs, and debris. If you have a gutter blockage, you should call a plumber to clear it as soon as possible.

What are some of the symptoms of a sewage pipe blockage?

The most common symptom of a sewage pipe blockage is sewage backup. This is when sewage backs up into your home through the drains. You may also notice that your toilets are not flushing properly, or that there is sewage coming out of the ground around your home. If you think you have a sewage pipe blockage, it is important to call a plumber right away. Sewage pipe blockages can cause sewage to back up into your home, which can be a health hazard.

How to protect against sewage blockages

There are a few things you can do to protect against sewage pipe blockages. First, make sure that you do not flush anything down the toilet except for human waste and toilet paper. You should also ensure that you don't flush too much toilet paper down the toilet at once. Second, have your sewage system inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional. This will help to keep your sewage system in good working order and prevent sewage pipe blockages.

What to do about sewage blockages

If you do experience sewage pipe blockages, it is important to act quickly. First, try to clear the blockage yourself by using a plunger or a sewer snake. If this does not work, you will need to call a professional plumber to come and clear the blockage for you. In some cases, sewage pipe blockages can be caused by tree roots growing into the pipes. If this is the case, you will need to have the sewage pipe replaced. Sewage pipe blockages can be a serious health hazard, so it is important to take care of them as soon as possible.

Blocked up? Call Oak Plumbing today!

The reason we decided to start Oak Plumbing was to provide great customer service, take care of our community, and reintroduce expert plumbing. Here at Oak Plumbing, we prioritize the safety of your family above all else. That is why the Oak Plumbing staff understands the importance of utilizing cutting-edge plumbing technology while maintaining our family ideals. By only hiring licensed and background-checked professionals, we provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is in good hands. We love that most of our clients leave five-star evaluations, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us!