Causes of a sewer blockage
Some causes of sewer blockage include:
- The illegal connection of stormwater sumps or downpipes to the sewer causing them to overflow when it rains;
- The connection between the private sewer and the sewer main is substandard;
- Wastes that are not intended for the sewer, choking the system and leading to backflows of sewage within the property;
- Tree roots entering through substandard drainage pipes, faulty joints or loose inspection openings;
- Cracked sewer pipes that have been damaged by movement of the sub-soil, penetration of rocks, increases the risk of bad and leaking pipes or connections; and
- Changes to the property by overloading the ground with retaining walls, building structures and vehicular traffic also can cause crush or flatten sewer pipes.