What causes a private sanitary sewer lateral backup?

The most common cause of sanitary sewer backup is cooking grease and roots that block flow. Other common causes of backup include foreign items that have been disposed of in the sanitary sewer drains such as:

  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers
  • Keys
  • Paper products (other than toilet paper)
  • Toys
  • Towels

Problems surface when the smaller laterals become blocked with roots, grease, sediments, or a collapsed pipe. When the flow becomes blocked, untreated waste water can back up into your home.

Show All Answers

1. What causes a public sanitary sewer main backup?
2. What causes a private sanitary sewer lateral backup?
3. What causes a public storm sewer main backup?
4. What causes a private storm sewer lateral backup?
5. How do the footer drains work?
6. What causes footer drain backups?
7. Should I install a backwater prevention valve?
8. Should I consider a special rider added to my homeowner's or renter's insurance policy?
9. What are resident responsibilities?
10. What are City responsibilities?
11. What if a problem occurs?
12. Should I use copper sulfate?
13. Is there a list of contractors licensed with the City?
14. Whom should I call for help?