If you’ve ever experienced a sewer backup in your home, you know it can be messy and unpleasant. From foul odors to water damage, the consequences of a sewer backup can be costly.
To help you prevent this from happening, consider some of the common causes of sewer backups in your home.
Tree Roots
One of the most common causes of sewer backups is tree roots growing into pipes and blocking them up. Trees are always looking for water sources and nutrients, so they often grow their roots toward sewer lines because there is plenty of water there. In addition, many older homes have clay pipes that are easily broken by tree roots. If tree roots block your pipes, the only solution involves digging up the lines and replacing them with newer materials, such as PVC or copper.
Fats, Oils, & Grease
Another common cause of sewer backups is an accumulation of fats, oils, and grease—also known as FOG. These substances can clog up your pipes if they aren’t disposed of properly. When cooking food with oil or grease, it’s important to pour these substances into a container instead of down your drain. By doing so, you will prevent any buildup in your pipes that could lead to a sewer backup. It’s important to note that there are also certain foods you should avoid putting down the garbage disposal to prevent blockages.
Non-flushable Items
Flushing objects such as paper towels, sanitary napkins, and baby wipes down the toilet can also cause blockages in your plumbing system. These items don’t break down like toilet paper and should never be flushed down the toilet—even if it says “flushable” on the package! Make sure everyone in your household knows not to flush anything other than toilet paper to avoid unnecessary problems with your plumbing system.
While there are a few common causes of sewer backups, you can prevent them by following some simple steps. Keep trees away from your home’s sewage line; dispose of fats, oils, and grease properly; and never flush anything other than toilet paper. These tips will help keep your plumbing system running smoothly so you can avoid nasty sewer backups in your home.
Voices That Shaped the Festival’s Last Utah Chapter: An Emotional Farewell to Sundance in Utah
For forty-five winters, the Sundance Film Festival transformed Utah’s mountains into a global crossroads of creativity.
Filmmakers, dreamers, locals, and visitors walked the snowy streets of Park City with the same shared hope;
that stories bold, strange, intimate, and revolutionary could change the world.
In 2026, that tradition reaches its final chapter before the festival relocates to Colorado.
Each January, leaders from around the globe gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
This high-altitude summit has become a symbol of dialogue, cooperation, and sometimes controversy, as political, business, academic
and civil society leaders confront the world’s most pressing challenges, from economic instability and climate change to technology,
security, and social inequality.
Dates: January 19–23, 2026
Theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”
Participants: Over 2,500 leaders from around the world
What Is the World Economic Forum?
The World Economic Forum is an international organization for public–private cooperation. Founded in 1971, it brings together
leaders from governments, companies, international organizations, and civil society to discuss global issues and explore
collaborative solutions. The annual meeting in Davos is its flagship event, where hundreds of sessions, panels, and informal
gatherings shape debates that often influence policy and business decisions worldwide.
Every January, the United States pauses to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister, activist, and visionary whose moral courage reshaped the nation. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a federal holiday. It is a moment of reflection, service, and recommitment to the ideals of equality and dignity for all people. As the world continues to evolve, the meaning of this day grows with it, inviting each generation to carry forward Dr. King’s unfinished work.
A Brief History of Dr. King’s Life and Leadership
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, into a family deeply rooted in faith and community leadership. Guided by the teachings of his father, Reverend Martin Luther King Sr., and inspired by the nonviolent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, King emerged as one of the most influential leaders of the American civil rights movement.
Food processing facilities constantly strive for higher efficiency to meet growing consumer demands and maintain profitability. Efficiency improvements not only enhance productivity but also help reduce costs, minimize waste, and ensure the safe handling of food. By implementing strategies to increase efficiency in your food processing facility, you can streamline operations and ensure long-term success.
Living in a smaller home or apartment has its charms, but as time passes, finding a place for everything is challenging. But don’t worry! You don’t need a massive renovation or a bigger house. Reclaim your square footage and stop tripping over shoes in the hallway with some creative storage solutions for small spaces that offer a fresh perspective.
