Why is my sewer line backed up? Can tree roots grow into a sewer line?

Question: Why is sewage backing up into my lower level toilet?

Answer: If sewage backs up onto your lower level toilet or a lower level drain, you probably have a sewer line blockage. In most cases that means you had a crack in your sewer line that has allowed roots to intrude. Tree roots are always seeking water and nourishment, and any crack in a sewer line will attract them. Tree roots are incredibly strong; they can easily pry open a cracked sewer line. Once tree roots gain entrance, they grow into the sewer line, blocking it completely.

If this is happening, you need a plumber to use a sewer line camera to determine where the blockage is. That part of the sewer line will most likely need to be replaced.

Learn More

Learn more about tree roots in sewer lines.

Learn more about trenchless technology for sewer line repairs.