What are the common causes of a sewer line backup?

The common causes of a sewer line backup are blockages, pipe damage, or slope problems that slow or stop wastewater flow. Tree-root intrusion is a leading trigger because roots seek moisture and invade pipe joints. Other backups come from grease or debris accumulations that narrow the pipe, or from structural issues that deform the line and catch waste. A camera often reveals the real issue fast, and we then clear or repair as needed. Our crews handle these issues across the Denver area, including Berkley homes, using CCTV inspections plus trenchless or traditional methods when appropriate.

Specific causes homeowners run into:

• Tree roots entering joints and creating root mats
• Bellies (sagging sections) that let debris settle and build up
• Collapsed, cracked, or misaligned pipe sections that snag waste
• Foreign objects, wipes, and grease buildup that harden and block flow

If sewage is backing up or drains are gurgling, stop water use and schedule a camera inspection before attempting any cleaning.

Updated: 2026-05-11

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