What Causes a Sewer Backup in New Jersey?

Soft Clogs in the Drain Line

A soft clog occurs when non-flushable materials—like wipes, paper towels, grease, or feminine hygiene products—become lodged in your plumbing system. These clogs typically form inside your property’s interior drain lines and can cause water and sewage to back up into sinks, tubs, or floor drains.

Why it matters:

If the clog is located within your property line (not in the municipal sewer system), your insurance policy may cover the cleanup and restoration costs. This is especially true when it can be confirmed that the backup originated from within the structure.

Solutions:

• Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
• Install a backwater valve.
• Call a professional plumber to clear the blockage.
• Contact a certified sewage cleanup company like PDQ Restoration to sanitize and deodorize affected areas immediately.

Tree Roots Intruding the Sewer Line

A Tree roots are a major cause of sewer line damage and backups, especially in older neighborhoods. Roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate small cracks or joints in underground pipes. Over time, they expand inside the pipe, creating a dense blockage and potentially cracking or collapsing the line.

Signs of trouble:

• Gurgling noises from toilets
• Slow-draining sinks and tubs
• Frequent backups without a clear cause

Solutions:

• Conduct a sewer camera inspection.
• Remove invasive roots using hydro-jetting or mechanical augers.
• Consider trenchless sewer line replacement if the pipe is beyond repair.
• Schedule regular sewer maintenance to prevent future backups.

Damaged or Collapsed Sewer Lines

Many homes built before the 1980s still use clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg piping for their sewer lines. These materials deteriorate with age and are vulnerable to crushing under pressure—especially when heavy equipment is driven over lawns without marking out utility lines.

Common causes of sewer line damage include:

• Ground shifting or settling
• Construction or landscaping work
• Pipe corrosion and material decay

Solutions:

• Replace aging clay or Orangeburg pipes with durable PVC piping.
• Hire a licensed plumber to assess and repair the damaged line.
• File an insurance claim if the line damage led to interior water damage.
• Call PDQ Restoration for emergency sewage cleanup and structural drying services.

City Sewer System Overload / Flooding

During heavy rainfall, hurricanes, or municipal line failures, the city sewer system can become overwhelmed. When stormwater enters sanitary sewer lines, the system may exceed its capacity—causing backflow into homes and businesses through basement drains or toilets.

Warning signs include:

• Sudden backups during or after storms
• Foul sewage smells near lower-level fixtures
• Water seeping up from floor drains

Solutions:

• Install a sump pump and backwater valve.
• Elevate fixtures in basement bathrooms where possible.
• Work with city officials to report recurring overloads.
• Contact PDQ Restoration for certified sewage mitigation, air purification, and odor removal.