Sewer line backup services that not only address the issue at hand but also prevent it from recurring.

Whether it is grease, wipes, or even roots, when your sewer line needs a cleanup, our team is the plumber for the job.

(412) 504-9114

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Sewer Line Backup and Clean up Services

When your sewer is backing up, and you need an expert plumber on-site to not only handle the sewer line cleanup but also ensure it won't happen again, you'd better call Steel City Sewer Squad. We have been working in these high-stress situations for years and can work with you to find the right-sized plumbing solution for your needs. Whether we are dealing with a blockage or a system overload, our team of plumbers will be your plumbers in shining armor that will be able to limit damage to your home and start the cleanup process all at once. 

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What is a Sewer Line Backup?

A sewer line backup is a messy situation, and it is defined as when wastewater flows back through your drains or toilet from the main sewer line, whether it be your residential one or the city system. These backups are caused by one of two issues. The first is a blockage in your existing sewer system caused by congealed fats, grease, or a root. The other issue that can cause your backup is a wastewater system overload, that are often due to heavy rains, a recent storm, or an issue with the city sewer system. No matter the situation, the team at Steel City Sewer Squad is the plumber who can help unblock your sewer and get the water moving the right way!

Common Causes of Sewer Line Backups

There are a few common causes of sewer line backups we see here in Pittsburgh, PA, and in the surrounding cities.

Blockages

For most residential clients, the most common cause of a sewer line backup is a blockage. Things like flushable wipes or fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are common culprits of these plumbing headaches. "Flushable" wipes catch on existing debris and can slowly clog your system, as they do not degrade like toilet paper, even though they are advertised as an alternative. While clients who flush down bacon grease, animal fats or any type of oil down the drain will see blockages form as the FOG cools and hardens. 

Tree roots

Another common issue that arises for sewer line backups is tree root intrusion. Tree roots, especially those of Willows, Maples, Oaks, Sycamores, Elms, Birches, Aspens, etc., love water and therefore sewage pipes because they are an unlimited source of water for the tree to use. Cracks in the pipe will give these roots access, and over time, the network of roots will block the sewer pipe as the tree grows and needs additional water.

Heavy Rain / Snowmelt

Depending on your city's system, heavy rain or snowmelt can cause sewer backups at the local level. The issue is that this excess water can overwhelm the existing stormwater systems, leading to the larger sewer pipes overflowing and backing up. We see these issues arise frequently during the fall and winter, when storm sewers are often blocked by leaves, debris, or ice, which puts pressure on the overall system.

Aging Infrastructure

Another common issue that can lead to sewage backups is aging infrastructure and improper connections. Old clay water and sewer pipes were designed for older neighborhoods, and as our communities have grown and spread out, this older infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the additional demand. When these pipes and connections are pushed to the limits, parts fail, and these failures cause a cascading issue that leads to residential and commercial sewers backing up.

Improper Connections

Improper plumbing connections can significantly increase the risk of sewer line backups, especially during large storms. When sump pumps or roof downspouts are incorrectly connected to the sanitary sewer line, they send large volumes of stormwater into a system that's only designed to handle wastewater. This excess water can quickly overwhelm the sewer line, increasing pressure and forcing sewage back into your basement or lower-level of your home.
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How we handle sewer line backups

When our team is dispatched for a sewer backup, we come ready to handle it. When we arrive, we will be in PPE to address the potential biohazard posed by an overflowing sewer and the tools needed to address it. Typically, we will inspect the sewer line, determine the issue, and then use either a hydro jet or a plumbing snake to clear the blockage. Once the sewer is flowing, our sewer line cleanup service can begin with our team removing the grey water from the home and disinfecting and cleaning the affected area. Finally, we will complete an inspection of the sewer line to see if there are any other problem areas we can look to address and to make sure that there is no damage to the line from your home to the main city sewer.

Get A Quote

Whether you are dealing with a localized sewer line backup or in need of a sewer line cleanup service after an issue, we are here for you. Our team of plumbers not only knows how to get your sewer flowing again but also helps prevent future issues before they even start. Call us today, and experience why Steel City Sewer Squad is the only plumbing company you need to call when you are dealing with a sewage backflow situation in Pittsburgh, PA.

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