What Causes Toilets to Overflow?

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

Tree roots can grow into the pipe and cause clogs, cracks, leaks, or blockages.

What Causes Toilets to Overflow?

If you've ever noticed your toilet overflowing in your Kansas City, MO, home that's a serious issue. In fact, it's something you should call in a professional for as quickly as possible. In this article we'll cover what causes this problem and how to fix it — plus some tips on preventing future over-flows.

You have a clogged sewer line.

If you have a clogged sewer line, the water can't move through it. This means the water backs up in your house and overflows into the toilet bowl. There are different reasons for clogs, but there are a few things you can do to fix them.

You could have tree roots growing around the pipe.

Tree roots can grow into the pipe and cause clogs, cracks, leaks, or blockages. If you see any of these problems happening it is time to call a plumber before it becomes worse.

You have a broken or cracked sewer pipe.

It's possible that you have a broken or cracked sewer pipe. Sewer pipes carry wastewater from your home to the street, where it's treated and disposed of. If there is a crack or hole in the pipe, sewage can leak out into your home. It may also cause backups when it rains because water will collect in the pipe and create pressure on any cracks or holes in the line.

You have a clog in your septic tank.

You may have a clog in your septic tank. A septic system is the most common type of onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system, consisting of a series of underground tanks that are used to process household sewage. The first tank, known as a primary tank or primary sedimentation tank, receives raw sewage from your home through an underground piping network called an "underground drain field." The liquid flows into the bottom of this first tank where it is separated from solid waste and suspended solids that settle out to form sludge. This sludge then moves upward into another holding area called either a secondary or tertiary sedimentation tank.

The next step involves using microorganisms that are naturally present in soil and groundwater to break down biodegradable materials such as food particles and toilet paper in order to produce methane gas. This gas can then be burned off by incinerators located near each home's plumbing fixtures like sinks or toilets.

Fixing a sewer problem is something you can't afford to ignore.

Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. The longer you wait, the more expensive and time-consuming the repairs will be.

Call a professional plumber. Repairing sewer damage can be complicated and costly, so it's best to leave this type of work to professionals with experience in sewer systems and pipes. If your insurance policy covers sewer problems, don't forget to call them first!

If you notice a foul smell or that your drains are backing up, you should call in a professional. Don’t try to fix it yourself; trying to do so will only cause bigger problems and potentially result in a flood. The longer you wait, the more damage may be done.