Why Does Sewage Keep Backing Up Into Your Drains?

December 20, 2017

Water — Septic Tank Being Installed in Meridian, MS

If your home is connected to the public sewer system and sewage keeps backing up into your drains, this is not a problem you should ignore. Often, sewage backups and slow drains throughout the home are caused by blockages in your main sewer line. These blockages will not clear on their own, so you need to figure out the cause of the blockage and then take action to clear it. Here's a closer look.

What Causes Main Sewer Line Blockages?

Your main sewer line is usually found in your front yard, running perpendicular to the street. If you park in this area, the weight of a heavy vehicle may crush the sewer line, restricting the area through which water and waste can flow.

However, a more common cause of sewer line blockages is tree roots growing into the line. The roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrition inside the pipe, and they work their way in through tiny cracks. As they grow, they cause the cracks to expand, which makes it easier for additional roots to enter.

Items you flush down the toilet can make root-based sewer line blockages even worse. Wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels get stuck in the roots, eventually creating a solid mass that prevents water and waste from flowing down the pipe.

How Can You Figure out What's Blocking Your Sewer Line?

The easiest way to figure out what's blocking your main sewer line is to hire a sewer company to conduct a video inspection. They can send a camera down into the line and take footage of the inside of the pipe. From this footage, they can tell whether tree roots, a crushed pipe, or other debris accumulation is causing your issues. They can also determine the extent of the problem, which allows them to make educated recommendations for repairs.

What Can Your Plumber Do About a Sewer Line Blockage?

If the pipe has been crushed under pressure, you will probably need to have it replaced. Your plumber can dig up the old sewer line, cut out the damaged section, and insert a new section of pipe.

When tree roots are to blame for the blockage, you can often get away without having the entire line replaced. Your plumber may start by using a high-pressure water jetting system to remove roots and other debris from the inside of the pipe. Pressurized water whisks down the pipe, scouring the pipe clean. Usually, this can be done through a sewer access pipe, so your plumber won't have to dig up your front lawn.

After the roots are removed, you can pour a copper sulfate solution down your toilet. The copper sulfate is an effective herbicide and helps keep the roots from growing back. Repeat this process every spring and fall for ongoing maintenance. Also, avoid planting any new trees near the sewer line.

If you continue to have trouble with tree roots, you may need to have the pipe dug up and replaced. Sometimes, plumbers may be able to line the current pipe with a special fabric and cement to keep roots from penetrating.

Make sure you avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. If toilet paper gets caught on tree roots, it will soon break down and rinse away. However, other cotton and fabric products break down more slowly, and therefore they can cause stubborn clogs if they get caught on small tree roots.

Never ignore repeated sewage backups into your drains and toilets. A blocked sewer line is a serious problem, and it needs to be addressed by a professional plumbing team. Contact Roto-Rooter if you are looking for a sewer service in the Meridian area. We offer video sewer inspections, water jetting services, and more.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Signs You Need Sewer Line System Cleaning | Laurel, MS

June 11, 2025

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!