Fixing Residential Sewer System Backups in Boise, Idaho

A Guide to Repairing Sewer System Backups

A sewer system backup can be overwhelming for the average homeowner. Homes have a lateral sewer line that runs from your plumbing system to the city’s main sewer line, where waste from your system is carried to a waste treatment plant. When your home’s sewer line becomes obstructed, the wastewater in your system has no way to exit, and it will overflow into other parts of your home, like toilets, sinks, and floor drains. To complicate the problem even further, clogs in your sewer line are harder to access and break up than the average blockage you might find within your home’s drain. That’s why sewer system backups are a job for experienced service professionals. Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of Boise fixes residential sewer system backups in Boise, Idaho. Learn more about our sewer system backup services.

a Mr. Rooter plumber walking up to a house

Symptoms of a Sewer System Backup

Sometimes it is obvious that your sewer system is backing up into your homes, such as when you have wastewater flowing out of your sink’s drain. As a vigilant homeowner, your goal is to identify a potential sewer system backup before it gets to this point. There are some common symptoms that indicate you are dealing with a blocked sewer line or some other source of sewage backup. The warning signs of a sewer system backup include the following:

  • Backups in multiple drains
  • Water backing up through your sink, toilet, or bathtub drains
  • Puddles near the floor drains in your basement or garage
  • The smell of sewage coming from your drains or in your yard
  • It sounds like your drains and toilets are gurgling or bubbling

Mr. Rooter service professional arriving to fix sewer system backups.

Our Solutions for a Damaged Sewer Line

When your sewer line becomes damaged or clogged, repairing sewer system backups can be more complicated than the average clog within your home’s plumbing system. These types of blockages are deep underground, making them harder to access without the proper equipment. Sometimes, your sewer line causes a backup because of damage like tree root intrusion. When a small crack forms in your sewer system, the additional water leaking into the soil will cause roots to grow toward the crack. Eventually, the roots will grow into the crack, seeking out the most plentiful source of water. In many cases, the tree roots fill the sewer line, completely obstructing it. These types of heavy-duty obstructions require professional solutions. Some of our state-of-the-art methods for fixing damaged sewer lines include the following:

  • Hydro Jetting – We use hydrojetting to blast away the most stubborn blockages. We break up tree roots, grease clumps, and other clogs with high-pressure water jets. This chemical-free process is ideal for undamaged sewer lines with blockages.
  • Rooter Work and Drain Cleaning – Some clogs just require professional rooter work and drain cleaning. We can break up the existing clog, identify its source, and give you plumbing maintenance recommendations that will prevent future obstructions.
  • Maintenance – The best way to address blocked sewer lines is to prevent them. We have customizable maintenance plans that will help you prevent the accumulation of clogs within your plumbing system.
  • Pipe Bursting – If we need to replace a damaged sewer line, pipe bursting is one of the most advanced methods. Without digging any trenches, we use hydraulics to break apart your clay, cast iron, or PVC sewer line and thread new piping in its place. This is a permanent fix to your sewer backup problems.

When Is It Time to Call Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of Boise?

You don’t need to have waste backing up through your drains to call Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of Boise. We can help you with sewer backup prevention systems and other preventive services before they reach this point. It is a good idea to look into the sewer system backup prevention costs if you have backups repeatedly. These can redirect the reverse flow of sewage to a cleanout pipe, preventing wastewater from coming through your drains.

Schedule a Residential Sewer System Backup Appointment Now!

Mr. Rooter® Plumbing of Boise is your team for sewer system backup solutions. Whether you need help preventing future backups or dealing with an active backup, our service professionals are here for you. We always come prepared, with specialized equipment and a large stock of parts on hand. You can get access to convenient scheduling and live 24/7 answering services that will schedule you for a service appointment as soon as possible. Don’t delay. Reach out today to schedule your residential sewer system backup appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backed-Up Home Sewer Systems

When it comes to plumbing problems, a sudden sewer system backup can be a big hassle. It often happens when stubborn blockages cause trouble in your pipes. Fortunately, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Boise has effective solutions. In the plumbing world, we use advanced methods like HydroScrub® Jetting to clear obstructions and get your water and waste flowing smoothly again. But we're not just about fixing things for homeowners in Boise, ID. We also want to help you understand why drain clogs happen. We'll share where these clogs come from, suggest DIY fixes for those who like to do it themselves, and offer advice on when it's best to call in the pros. Below, you'll find some common questions from our customers, along with our helpful answers. If you have more questions or need more information, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

What Causes Drain Clogs?

Slow or blocked drains in sinks, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures are often caused by a gradual buildup of stuff inside your pipes. This is entirely normal and can happen to any plumbing system. For example, bathroom drains gather a mix of dirt, soap scum, hair, and personal care products over time. Kitchen drains tend to clog because of food debris and grease. Even utility sinks can get clogged with stuff, which can reduce water flow or completely block it. Sometimes, foreign objects like diapers or kids' toys find their way into the plumbing and cause sewer system back-ups. If you notice slow drains or blockages, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Boise can inspect your drains and sewer system to fix the problem with our professional sewer line repair solutions.

Do I Need Drain Cleaning?

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Boise, we're experts at spotting the subtle signs that your plumbing system needs a thorough cleaning. However, many homeowners might not know what to look for and could use some guidance. If you see just one slow or blocked drain, that's a clear sign your plumbing system needs attention. Other warning signs include unpleasant odors coming from your drains or the presence of drain flies. If multiple drains in your home are slow, you might be dealing with a significant sewer clog, possibly caused by wet wipes, invasive tree roots, or other things blocking your sewer system. Knowing the signs of a sewer backup can help you address the issue early.

What Are My DIY Drain Cleaning Options?

While not all clogged drains can be fixed with DIY solutions, there are simple steps you can try before calling in the professionals. Many people ask us about dealing with sewer back-ups on their own. Here are some easy DIY remedies for mildly clogged drains:

The "Coat Hanger Trick"

Take a wire coat hanger, straighten it, and bend a small hook at the end. Gently insert the hooked end into your drain and twist it to remove blockages, like trapped hair. Keep in mind that various objects can block sewer pipes.

The "Vinegar Dissolution" Method

Mix vinegar and baking soda, then pour it down your drain to dissolve blockages. This DIY sewer backup solution can work in some cases.

The "Boiling Water Blitz"

Try to clear a clog by pouring boiling water down the drain carefully. Be cautious and use this method sparingly, as it could damage PVC pipe joints. If this doesn't fix your sewer line failure, be sure to reach out to us.

A Word of Caution

When doing DIY drain cleaning, be careful to avoid causing more damage. For instance, stay away from acidic drain cleaners, as they can harm your pipes. We strongly recommend not using these home remedies for your Boise, ID residences. But don't worry; Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here with professional solutions, whether it's sewer lateral clogged drains or other plumbing issues. DIY solutions cannot always repair sewer system back-ups or blocked sewer lines.

When to Call a Service Professional

If your DIY attempts to unclog drains don't work, it's a good idea to get help from a skilled professional. This is especially important if a mainline blockage is causing multiple drain problems. Luckily, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Boise is ready to provide fast and effective solutions for your clogged drains at competitive rates. Our team always delivers top-notch work, ensuring quick results and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism on every job. Feel free to contact us today to request a job estimate for our services.

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