Sudden drain backups are usually caused by a blockage that has been building up for a while, then finally closes the pipe. Common causes include grease, wipes, tree roots, damaged pipes, and city sewers that fill up during heavy rain.
Buildup That Finally Gives Out
Most clogs do not form overnight. Grease cools and sticks to pipe walls. Food scraps and soap get caught in it. Over months, the opening gets smaller. Then one more load of dishes or laundry is enough to block it completely.
Wipes, Roots, and Damaged Pipes
Wipes, paper towels, and other products do not break down the way toilet paper does. Even wipes labeled flushable can catch on rough spots in older pipes and start a clog. Many Brooklyn buildings have drain lines that are decades old, so these items can cause trouble quickly.
Tree roots can enter sewer pipes through small cracks or loose joints. Once inside, they grow and catch waste. Pipes can also crack, sag, or shift with age, leaving low spots where waste collects.
Heavy Rain and City Sewers
Much of New York City uses combined sewers, which carry both rainwater and wastewater. During very heavy storms, these sewers can fill up. When that happens, water may back up into the lowest drains in a home, such as basement floor drains.
What a Sudden Backup Means
If one drain backs up, the clog is likely close to that fixture. If several drains back up at once, the main line is the more likely cause. In either case, stop using water and avoid harsh chemicals. A plumber can clear the blocked line and look for the cause.
If your drains backed up without warning, call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840. Once the line is clear, scheduled upkeep for sinks, tubs, and toilets can lower the chance of another surprise. Keep grease, wipes, and food scraps out of the pipes in the meantime.