Why Sewer Lines Clog in Dearborn and How to Clear Them

If you live in Dearborn and are dealing with slow drains, foul smells, or sewage backing up into your home—chances are you’re facing a sewer clog.

You’re not alone. Every week, local homeowners search for help with a sewer clog in Dearborn, especially in older neighborhoods with aging infrastructure and tree-lined streets.

Let’s break down why these backups happen so frequently, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to call in the pros before serious damage occurs.

Sewer Clogs Are a Big Problem in Dearborn

Sewer lines are responsible for carrying wastewater from your sinks, toilets, tubs, and laundry out to the main city sewer. But when that underground line gets blocked, the flow stops—and what should be going out starts coming back in.

And if you’re in Dearborn, your home is likely part of the problem.

Why?

Dearborn’s housing stock includes thousands of homes built between the 1920s and 1970s. These older homes often have:

• Clay or cast iron sewer lines
• Mature trees with deep, invasive roots
• Outdated plumbing configurations
• No backwater valves to stop city sewer backups

Add to that Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rainfalls in spring and fall—and it’s easy to see why sewer lines in Dearborn clog more than in newer suburbs.

Most Common Causes of Sewer Clogs in Dearborn

Understanding the cause helps you fix the problem—and prevent it from coming back. Here are the top culprits behind most sewer clogs in Dearborn homes.

1. Tree Roots Invading the Pipe

Tree roots are the #1 cause of deep sewer clogs in southeast Michigan.

Clay pipes used in older Dearborn homes develop small cracks over time. These cracks release moisture, which attracts tree roots from nearby maples, elms, and oaks. Once inside, roots expand and form a tangled, gunky mass that blocks flow completely.

Pro tip: If your home is in east or south Dearborn with large front-yard trees, you’re at high risk for root intrusion.

2. Grease and Fat Buildup

It might seem harmless to pour bacon grease or oil down the drain while it’s hot, but once it cools—it hardens. That hardened fat sticks to pipe walls, collecting food bits and soap scum until your sewer line turns into a sticky, slow-moving mess.

Over time, even a partial blockage can become a full clog—and Dearborn homes with small-diameter pipes are especially vulnerable.

3. Flushing the Wrong Stuff

Toilets aren’t trash cans.

Baby wipes, paper towels, “flushable” wipes, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products all contribute to sewer line clogs. And with many Dearborn homes having just a 4-inch sewer main, it doesn’t take much to trigger a blockage.

4. Collapsed or Sagging Sewer Pipes

As sewer lines age, they can collapse or belly (sag) due to soil movement or tree pressure.

When that happens, debris collects in the low point of the pipe until it clogs. No amount of snaking will fix a collapsed pipe—you’ll need a proper inspection and likely a section of line replaced or relined.

5. Heavy Rain Overwhelming the City Sewer

In parts of Dearborn, stormwater and wastewater flow into the same sewer line. During heavy rain, the city system can overflow, pushing dirty water back into your home through basement drains and toilets.

A properly installed backwater valve can prevent this—but many older homes don’t have one.

Warning Signs You’ve Got a Sewer Clog

Sewer problems rarely start all at once. You’ll typically get a few warning signs—if you know what to watch for.

Look out for:

• Water backing up from a floor drain or basement toilet
• Gurgling sounds when flushing or draining
• Multiple drains slow at the same time
• Water pooling around floor drains after doing laundry
• Strong sewer odor coming from lower-level fixtures

If you notice more than one of these, chances are the problem isn’t just one fixture—it’s your main sewer line.

How to Clear a Sewer Clog in Dearborn

So, what do you do when your drains start backing up?

Here’s how the pros typically handle a sewer clog in Dearborn:

1. Camera Inspection

The first step is always diagnosis. A plumber runs a small waterproof camera through your main sewer cleanout to identify the location and cause of the blockage—roots, grease, a break, or a collapsed section.

2. Drain Snaking (Rooter Service)

If the clog is due to roots or soft blockages, a mechanical auger (snake) is fed through the pipe. This rotating cable has sharp blades that cut and clear blockages up to 100 feet from your house.

For root intrusion, this is usually a temporary fix unless combined with further treatment.

3. Hydro Jetting

In cases of severe grease or recurring clogs, a high-pressure water jet (up to 4,000 PSI) scours the pipe walls completely clean.

It’s especially useful in homes where multiple kitchen and laundry fixtures feed into the same drain line.

4. Pipe Repair or Replacement

If the camera reveals a collapsed or separated pipe, your plumber will likely recommend either:

• Traditional trench replacement, which involves digging up the damaged pipe
• Trenchless pipe lining, which inserts a resin-coated sleeve into the pipe to create a new pipe inside the old one

This is more expensive but permanent, and in Dearborn, it may even be eligible for city grants if the issue involves shared lateral lines.

How to Prevent Sewer Clogs in the Future

Once your line is cleared, you don’t want this problem coming back in 6 months. Here’s how to keep your Dearborn sewer line clear:

• Don’t flush wipes—even “flushable” ones
• Pour grease into a can, not down the drain
• Have a camera inspection every 2–3 years
• Install a backwater valve if your home is in a flood-prone zone
• Schedule annual hydro jetting if you’ve had repeated clogs
• Replace clay pipes with PVC or HDPE when possible

Being proactive can save you thousands in damage and cleanup—and help you avoid a weekend emergency.

When to Call a Pro

If your drains are backing up, snaking your toilet won’t fix the issue. You need a plumber who can:

• Diagnose the problem quickly
• Use the right tools to clear the line completely
• Advise you on any needed repairs
• Offer honest pricing—without upselling

Don’t wait until sewage floods your basement. If you suspect a sewer clog in Dearborn, get help right away.