What to Do When a Toilet Backs Up

A Guide to Toilet Backups

When a toilet backs up, homeowners need to act quickly. These can cause major issues in homes and put family members at risk if there is sewage in their houses. A backup is also an indication of an underlying plumbing issue that needs to be fixed. 

To treat these problems and quickly repair them, property owners need to schedule services with a plumber as soon as possible. This post will guide what causes backed-up toilets, methods plumbers use to repair backups, and how households can avoid these problems.

Common Causes of Toilet Backups

A backed-up toilet can occur due to various issues with a sewer line. Plumbers will look for multiple causes for backed-up toilets when they arrive at a home to ensure the correct problem is fixed and future backups can be avoided. 

One of the first things they will look for is clogged sewer lines. These can occur if grease, tree roots, or other debris blocks a line. Plumbers will also check for collapsed sewer lines or sagging or damaged lines due to deterioration or another problem. Once the cause of the backup is determined, technicians will make the best repair for the situation. 

How Plumbers Fix Backups

Plumbers can use a variety of methods to repair backed-up toilets, depending on the cause. When arriving at a house, they might first perform a sewer video inspection if they cannot determine the cause of the backup or where it is located. This will allow them to accurately determine the reason for the backup and which solution should be done. 

If the backup is a result of a sewer line clog, plumbers can opt for drain snaking or hydrojetting to clear the blockage and restore proper drainage. If the sewer line is broken or crushed, sewer line repair or replacement can be performed to fix the line. Trenchless sewer repairs can be done if applicable, like for damage to the sewer line from tree roots entering the pipe. If there is a crack or minor issue with the line, plumbers may use trenchless sewer line repairs to fix it. If it’s more severe, traditional pipe repair methods may be used. 

Ways to Help Prevent Toilet Backups

The best way for homeowners to handle toilet backups is to prevent them from occurring. There are numerous precautions households can take. One of the biggest steps is paying attention to what they put down the toilet and the drains. Homeowners should only flush waste and toilet paper and never put items like wipes, diapers, cotton balls, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet. Households should also never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain and dispose of food waste in the garbage instead of drains. 

People can also place screens over the drains in their homes to collect hair and other debris from going down the drain and contributing to a clog in the sewer line. Property owners should also do their best to avoid tree roots from infiltrating the underground sewer lines by planting trees far from them. They can also install root barriers to prevent the roots from growing into the pipes if needed. Homeowners can also schedule routine sewer video inspections and drain cleaning services with a plumber to avoid clogs and monitor the sewer line for damage and clogs before they can cause a backup. 

About Gray Plumbing Inc

Gray Plumbing Inc. has over two decades of experience serving Fairfield, CA, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, on-time service, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call them today for plumbing services in Fairfield, CA. 

Contact Information:

Gray Plumbing Inc

1735 Enterprise Drive, Suite 101
Fairfield, CA 94533
United States

Jeffrey Gray
(707) 466-0468
https://grayplumbing.com/