Sewer systems have been around since the sixth century BC, when the Roman empire built the Cloaca Maxima or the “Great Sewer.” While it wasn't initially used for ridding the city of waste, it eventually moved everything from dangerous stormwater, as well as moving volumes of wastewater from the baths of Agrippa and the Pantheon.

 Historically speaking, the Roman sanitation infrastructure marvels that we now call “sewers” are the “most marvelous everyday invention.” 

Regardless of sewers being great marvels, they are not perfect. Sewer backup is one of these imperfections, and you better believe there is nothing worse than a backed-up sewer. 

All About Sewer Backup

Sewer Backup Symptoms

There are several symptoms of a sewer backup, and they can sometimes be confused with other issues, such as a simple clogged drain. However, if multiple drains are clogged, you may be experiencing sewer backup. 

Another sign that your sewer may be backed up is that air bubbles appear when you flush a toilet or a sink is draining. Because air can be trapped in a clogged drain, this could be a tell-tale sign that your sewer is experiencing a blockage.

One major sign of sewer backup is when you use one drain and another one gurgles. Water is simply trying to find a way to escape. When you flush a toilet, wastewater may hunt down the easiest way out. If you’re facing sewer backup or another plumbing emergency, we can offer a few tips. 

Sewer Backup Causes

There could be many causes for your sewer system to be backed up. In some cases, it could be several smaller things that lead to major failures in the system. 

• Roots: Because trees and shrubs seek out moisture, their roots may make their way into small cracks in sewer pipes. Not only can this severely damage the pipe, but also cause blockages in your sewer system. 
• Heavy Rain: When an area gets a bunch of rain, sewer systems can flood, and excess water may travel through pipes connected to your house. This creates backflow issues.
• Blockages: Sometimes your connection from your house to the sewer may experience blockages from waste such as grease, hair, and other solid materials

Buncombe County Sewer Backup Solutions

If you are experiencing sewer backups in Buncombe County, NC, Barlow Plumbing Service, Inc. can help. Barlow Plumbing Service, Inc. is a licensed and insured plumbing company with decades of experience. 

We are here to make sure that all of your plumbing repair and service needs are taken care of quickly and professionally. For more information or to schedule a repair contact the team at Barlow Plumbing Service, Inc.