Lakewood, CO Sewer Line Backups: 6 Causes & Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Sewer line backup in Denver can turn a normal day into a health hazard fast. If you smell sewage, see drains gurgle, or find wastewater in a tub, act now. In this guide, you will learn the six most common causes of sewer backups and how to fix them, from DIY clears to pro camera inspections, hydro jetting, and trenchless repair. If you need rapid help, our licensed team is on call 24/7.

What Causes a Sewer Line Backup?

A sewer line backup happens when wastewater cannot exit your home and reverses through drains. Common triggers include tree roots, fats and grease, foreign objects like wipes, pipe scale or bellies, broken or aging pipe, and stormwater intrusion. In older Denver neighborhoods such as Park Hill, Berkeley, and Wheat Ridge, clay tile laterals are common, which are more prone to cracks and root intrusion.

Warning signs to watch for:

1. Multiple slow drains at once, especially lowest-level fixtures.
2. Gurgling or air bubbles in toilets or tubs after flushing.
3. Sewage smell near floor drains, cleanouts, or the yard.
4. Water backing up in a tub or shower when a nearby sink drains.

Cause 1: Tree Roots Invading the Line

Roots hunt for moisture and nutrients. They enter through small cracks or joints in clay, cast iron, or aging PVC. Over time, roots create a mat that catches toilet paper and debris until flow stops.

How to fix it:

1. Locate the blockage with a video camera inspection.
2. Mechanically cut roots using a rooter blade or heavy-duty drain snake.
3. Hydro jet to flush remaining root hair and sludge.
4. Seal the fix long-term with trenchless pipe lining or replace damaged sections.

Pro tip: Homes built before 1970 in metro Denver often use vitrified clay pipe. If roots returned within 12 months after snaking, consider lining the pipe to stop repeat backups.

“The tech arrived, got right to work, located and repaired the problem quickly!”

Cause 2: Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Buildup

Grease hardens on the pipe wall and traps food particles. Over months, the pipe narrows like clogged arteries. The EPA identifies FOG as a leading cause of sewer blockages nationwide.

How to fix it:

1. Avoid chemical drain cleaners that can damage pipe and coatings.
2. Hydro jetting restores full diameter by blasting away grease and residue.
3. Add enzyme dosing only as a supplement, not a cure, to reduce future buildup.
4. Educate the household: cool, contain, and trash grease. Do not pour it down the sink.

Maintenance move: Schedule jetting and descaling on kitchens with heavy cooking every 12–24 months.

“Fix-it 24/7 is top shelf. Informed, educated, and ready to get the job done.”

Cause 3: “Flushable” Wipes, Hygiene Products, and Foreign Objects

Many wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They knot with hair and floss, snag on pipe defects, and form a rag ball. Cotton swabs, paper towels, cat litter, and diapers are common culprits.

How to fix it:

1. Attempt a toilet auger for local clogs near a toilet.
2. If multiple fixtures are affected, use a professional drain snake from a cleanout.
3. Confirm with a camera after clearing to ensure no remaining wad or pipe damage.
4. Post clear household rules: only human waste and toilet paper in the bowl.

Budget tip: A quick camera after clearing saves you from another service call if a wad was pushed further down the line.

“Diagnosed and fixed within 48 hours… they minimized the impact to my property.”

Cause 4: Pipe Scale, Bellies, and Offset Joints

Cast iron forms hard mineral scale that narrows the pipe and snags debris. Bellies are low spots where wastewater pools. Offset joints happen when soil shifts and pipes misalign, a risk in freeze-thaw climates like the Front Range.

How to fix it:

1. Verify with a camera and locate bellies or offsets with a transmitter.
2. Descale cast iron with specialized chain flails or milling heads.
3. Hydro jet remaining fines for a smooth, free-flowing interior.
4. For severe bellies or major offsets, plan spot repair or trenchless pipe bursting.

Local note: Denver’s frost depth is about 36 inches, so shallow, older laterals can shift more. Correct grade and bedding matter during repairs to prevent repeat settling.

“Their people are always informed and ready to get the job done with smiles.”

Cause 5: Broken, Collapsed, or Aging Pipe

Old clay tile cracks, and cast iron corrodes from the inside out. Collapses block flow entirely. You may also see lush green patches in the yard if sewage leaks underground.

How to fix it:

1. Run a high-definition camera inspection to confirm the defect and exact location.
2. For isolated breaks, use a spot repair with minimal excavation.
3. For long runs of damage, choose trenchless solutions:
4. • Pipe lining creates a new, durable pipe within the old one.
   • Pipe bursting breaks the old pipe while pulling a new one into place.
4. Replace with PVC SDR-35 or equivalent to current code for longevity.

Permit reminder: Colorado law requires calling 811 at least two business days before any excavation to locate utilities. City right-of-way repairs also require permits and inspections.

“24/7 was the first to respond, and had the issue diagnosed and fixed within 48 hours.”

Cause 6: Heavy Rain, Infiltration, or Improper Connections

Cracks and faulty joints allow groundwater to enter the lateral. Sump pumps or downspouts tied into the sanitary line overload it during storms. The result is surcharging and backflow into the home.

How to fix it:

1. Smoke test or camera with dye to pinpoint illicit connections or infiltration.
2. Disconnect downspouts and sump pumps from sanitary lines.
3. Seal joints and cracks with lining or targeted repairs.
4. Install a backwater valve on at-risk homes, especially with basement fixtures.

Backwater valves are code-approved one-way doors that prevent city main surges from entering your home. Add annual testing to your maintenance plan.

“They took great care to minimize the impact to my property… I had peace of mind.”

How We Diagnose the Real Problem

Guesswork is expensive. We use state-of-the-art camera inspection technology to accurately identify problems and recommend the most cost-effective solutions. A full-color, narrated video gives you proof and options, not pressure. For stubborn clogs, hydro jetting offers numerous benefits, such as efficiently removing stubborn clogs, thoroughly cleaning drains, and reaching even the most inaccessible areas, ensuring long-lasting results.

What you get with our process:

1. Same-day arrival and safety check at all fixtures.
2. Camera inspection through the cleanout with accurate depth and distance.
3. Clear, flat-rate options that fit your budget and timeline.
4. Property care with shoe covers, drop cloths, and landscape protection.

When to DIY vs Call a Pro

Try these safe DIY steps first if only one or two fixtures are slow:

1. Plunge with a tight seal and steady strokes for 30–60 seconds.
2. Use a drain snake on nearby fixtures. Avoid chemical drain cleaners.
3. Clean the p-trap under sinks if accessible and you are comfortable.

Call a licensed plumber if you notice any of the following:

1. Multiple fixtures backing up at once.
2. Sewage appearing at a floor drain or basement tub.
3. Gurgling in a toilet when another fixture drains.
4. Recurring clogs within weeks or a known root history.

Prevention Checklist for Denver Homeowners

Preventive maintenance to help avoid future costly repairs is always cheaper than emergency excavation.

1. Schedule camera inspections every 2–3 years for homes built before 1980.
2. Jet kitchen lines every 12–24 months if you cook often with oils.
3. Keep trees at least 10 feet from the lateral path, or root-barrier them.
4. Trash grease, wipes, floss, and hygiene products. Toilet paper only.
5. Install a backwater valve if your basement is below street level.
6. Join a maintenance plan for priority service, discounts, and reminders.

We service Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, and Longmont with 24/7 emergency response and same-day options.

Special Offer: Clear Your Drain for $87

Save with our $87 Drain Cleaning Special to clear grease, soap residue, hair, and debris from kitchen, bathroom, or main line access points using professional-grade equipment. Available during standard business hours. Exterior cleanout required. May not be combined with other offers.

Call (720) 577-4266 or schedule at https://fixmyhome.com/ and mention the $87 Drain Cleaning Special.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a sewer backup is in my house or the city main?

If only your home’s fixtures are affected and a camera finds a clog in your lateral, it is your responsibility. If neighbors have backups too, the city main may be involved.

Are “flushable” wipes safe for my sewer line?

No. Most wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They snag on rough pipe, knot with hair, and cause blockages. Trash them instead.

Will hydro jetting damage my pipes?

When performed by a trained tech at the correct pressure, hydro jetting is safe and effective. We camera-inspect first to verify pipe condition.

What is trenchless sewer repair?

It repairs or replaces pipe without major digging using lining or pipe bursting. Lining creates a new pipe within the old one. Bursting pulls in a new pipe while breaking the old.

Do I need a permit for sewer replacement in Denver?

Yes. Repairs in the right-of-way require city permits and inspections. Always call 811 at least two business days before excavation for utility locates.

In Summary

Most sewer line backup problems come from six sources: roots, grease, wipes, pipe defects, aging pipe, and storm infiltration. The fastest path to a lasting fix is a camera inspection, then targeted clearing, jetting, or trenchless repair. For expert help with sewer line backup in Denver, we are ready 24/7 with flat-rate pricing and clean, careful work.

Ready to Clear Your Sewer Backup?

Call Fix-it 24/7 now at (720) 577-4266 or book at https://fixmyhome.com/. Ask for the $87 Drain Cleaning Special during business hours. Get same-day sewer camera inspection, hydro jetting, and trenchless repair options that protect your home and budget.

About Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric

Fix-it 24/7 serves Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, and beyond with licensed and insured plumbers available 24/7. We deliver transparent, flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and clean work zones. Our team holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is EPA and NATE certified. From camera inspections to trenchless sewer repair, we solve problems fast and protect your property. Thousands of local 5-star reviews back our work and 100% satisfaction guarantee.