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Common Sewer Backup Causes & Quick Fixes

Quick Fixes for Common Sewer Backup Issues

 

There are several things that can cause your sewer lines to back up. If your sewer backs up severely, it can cause wastewater to get into your home. This can be very expensive to clean up and can lead to health risks. It is important that you keep an eye out for these issues and repair them as soon as possible.

 

Clogs

 

The most common sewer backup cause is a clog. A clog happens when material blocks the flow of wastewater within your drain pipes. They can happen for a variety of different reasons, including hair, grease, cotton swabs, and toys. When your pipes start to work slowly, you most likely have a clog, and over time, it will get worse.

 

Roots

 

Roots can also cause sewer backups. Over time the tree roots in your yard can grow into your plumbing lines. They can also wrap around the pipe and try to crush them because they are trying to get to the water inside.

 

Main Sewer Blockages

 

Another common sewer backup cause is a sewer main blockage. This clog is similar to other clogs that can happen in your drain lines; however, the difference is that this blockage occurs in the pipe that your district or city maintains. When the main sewer line is blocked, it causes drainage and possibly backup issues for all drains in your home, not just a single drain like a clog would.

 

Quick Fixes

 

Here are several quick fixes that may help you to avoid a sewer line backup:

 

Plunger or Auger

 

A plunger can help you to work on a clog and get it out. It can be used on toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. You should purchase a plunger that has an extension flange. They tend to work better than other models of plungers. You can also purchase an auger to unclog your pipes, but you will need to be careful.

 

Liquid Drain Cleaners

 

When you have a clog, your first thought will be to break out the liquid drain cleaner. However, we do not reccomend you use them. Liquid drain cleaners add heat to break up a clog. This can remove the clog effectively, but it can also damage your pipe.

 

If you try to get rid of the clog but cannot, you will need to call a plumber to remove the clog. At [company_name], we proudly serve the Puyallup, WA, area. We offer a full range of residential and commercial plumbing services. Our team is also available to assist with your septic tank. Contact us today for more information.

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Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

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Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

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Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

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Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.