What Really Clogs Your Toilets and Sewer Lines — And What Homeowners Can Do

If you live in the Chicago area —its northwest suburbs and the North Shore (including Lake County) —you likely have older lateral lines, tree-lined yards, and a sewer system that didn’t anticipate all the “modern” materials being flushed and drained. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we see the aftermath of backups, sewage overflows, or root intrusion damage. This blog takes a deep dive into the real causes of toilet and sewer line blockages — backed by research — and gives you practical guidance to protect your property, reduce disruption, and avoid costly damage.

We’ll explore four major culprits:

1. Disposable (“flushable”) wipes
2. Women’s sanitary products and other hygiene disposables
3. Foreign objects flushed down toilets/drains
4. Tree roots invading sewer laterals

Then we’ll give you a homeowner’s maintenance playbook and how our core services help when things go wrong: water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning.

1. Disposable/“Flushable” Wipes

What the research shows

• A major UK study of 54 sewer-blockage samples found that baby wipes and other non-flushable wipes accounted for over 75% by weight of identifiable domestic items in sewer blockages. Water UK+2EDANA+2
• That same study found items designed to be flushed (i.e., toilet paper, etc) made up only ~0.88% by total weight of identified products. Water UK+1
• Another credible source states that flushed wet wipes contribute to more than 90% of sewer blockages in the UK. Natural History Museum+1
• Recent research published in 2024 shows that transport and accumulation of non-flushable wipes in sewer systems is a significant issue, especially when combined with other materials like fats/oils/grease (FOG). ScienceDirect

What this means for homeowners

• Just because a wipe is labelled “flushable” (or seems soft/harmless) does not mean it will break down like toilet paper.
• In older homes (e.g., North Shore older subdivisions, Lake County bungalows), lateral lines may have slow-flow sections, tubing joints, or tree-root deposits—so anything that doesn’t break up easily stands a high chance of accumulating.
• If wipes don’t disperse, they accumulate, catch on pipe defects, grab fats/grease and build a blockage over time.

Take-away tip

Flush only the “3 P’s” (pee, poo, paper). Everything else — wipes, moist towelettes, baby wipes, cosmetic removal wipes — go into the trash. A small change in behaviour avoids major risk.

2. Women’s Sanitary Products & Hygiene Disposables

Research findings

• The UK blockage study found that, in addition to wipes, surface wipes, cosmetic removal wipes and feminine hygiene products accounted for ~20% of identifiable blockage weight. Water UK+1
• Research into microplastic/fiber pollution shows that sanitary towels and wet wipes flushed down toilets are a noteworthy source of white microplastic fibres in wastewater and receiving waters. (See “Why Wet Wipes Are Blocking Our Pipes and Polluting Our Planet.”) The Final Straw Foundation -
• Utilities and plumbing guidance consistently warn that sanitary products, cotton swabs, floss, etc., do not break down like paper and often contribute to pump-station clogs or sewer overflows. (Qualitative behavioural research.)

Implications

• These items are often marketed for bathroom disposal, but many are not safe for flushing.
• Especially in older homes with smaller pipe diameters (common in North Shore and Lake County), sensitivity to anything that doesn’t fully disintegrate is heightened.
• A backed-up toilet line or flooded basement lateral — especially if it involves black water contamination — can lead to major water damage (which is where ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons steps in).

Take-away tip

Provide a bathroom bin (covered lid) in each toilet stall. Encourage proper disposal of sanitary items. Educate residents/guests: “If it’s not tissue paper, bin it.”

3. Foreign Objects Flushed Down Toilets / Drains

What the studies show

• The same UK study above noted that 3 of 7 pump clogs (in sample stations) were caused by clothing, woven textile materials disposed of via toilets. Water UK
• Many utility campaigns emphasise that items such as dental floss, cotton swabs, cotton pads, plastic wipes, sanitary wipes, toys, and even wipes labelled “flushable” are suspect because they don’t break down sufficiently and catch on small defects.

Why this matters in Chicago-area/older homes

• Older lateral lines or private drains may have shallower slopes, smaller diameters, or may funnel multiple bathrooms into one stack—so they are more sensitive to foreign objects.
• When these objects accumulate, they can cause upstream backups, flooded toilets, basement sewer smells, or black water intrusion into basements/front drains.

Take-away tip

Educate every household member or renter: “Only flush the 3 P’s. Everything else—trash can.” Avoid disposing of diapers, wipes, toys, cotton pads, floss, sanitary disposal items, etc., via the toilet.

4. Tree Roots Entering Sewer Laterals & Mains

Research evidence

• A USDA Forestry research review concluded that roots are reported to cause >50% of all sewer blockages. Forest Service R&D
• A 2012 study found that root intrusion into urban sewer pipes is influenced by tree species, crack/joint conditions, shallow pipe depth, small pipe diameter, etc. ScienceDirect
• A 2023 study using big-data predictive modelling of root blockages highlights that root intrusion is a predictable, mappable risk rather than a random event. ScienceDirect

Why it’s especially relevant for North Shore & Lake County

• Many North Shore and Lake County homes were built in tree-rich lots and early suburban layouts, with trees planted close to the house.
• Laterals often run under landscaped areas, close to trees/shrubbery, so roots seeking water or nutrients may infiltrate through joints/cracks.
• When roots intrude, they may cause cracking, displacement of pipe sections, silt accumulation, and then become catch-points for wipes, sanitary items, or foreign objects. A compound risk.
• The cost to remediate root intrusion (root cutting, CCTV, pipe lining, or replacement) is high and often catches homeowners off guard.

Take-away tip

1. Have a camera inspection every X years (5–10) if you live in a tree-rich lot or an older home.
2. Avoid planting high-root-intrusive species near sewer laterals; instead, choose low-root-risk species.
3. Ensure proper grading/backfill and sealed joints so roots don’t get easy access.

5. The Compound Risk: “Fatbergs” & Accumulation

What are fatbergs?

• A “fatberg” is a mass created by the congealing of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) combined with non-biodegradable solids (wet wipes, sanitary items) that block large sewer mains. Wikipedia+1
• Many utilities document that when wipes don’t break down, they snag silt/debris/grease and build into major blockages.

Homeowner relevance

Even if your home lateral is clear, flushing wipes and pouring cooking grease down the kitchen sink contribute to downstream blockages. The same behaviors lead to backups in local incidents. Also, a pipe with root intrusion may be the defective site where a fatberg begins to form in your household and your neighbors'.

Preventive mindset

Think not just “my toilet flushes” but “is my lateral free-flowing, are there tree roots near it, is grease entering my drain, am I flushing anything questionable?” Early intervention saves expensive remediation and major disruption.

Your Homeowner Action Plan

1. Immediate behaviour changes
   • Flush only the “3 P’s”: Pee, Poo, Paper.
   • Provide a lidded bathroom trash bin for wipes, sanitary items, floss, and cotton pads.
   • Never pour cooking grease/oil down the sink. Use a sealed container and discard in the trash.
2. Routine inspection & maintenance
   • For homes built before ~1985 (common in North Shore/Lake County): budget for a CCTV lateral inspection every 5-10 years, especially if you have large trees on the lot.
   • If you notice slow drains, frequent backups, or tree roots near the lateral path, get a professional evaluation.
   • Keep landscaping practices in mind: avoid planting large/fast-rooting trees within ~10 ft of sewer lateral; maintain proper pipe grading.
3. When a backup or intrusion happens
   • If you flush something and notice toilet backs up, water appears in floor drains, sewage smell in basement—call the experts at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately. Delayed action increases contamination risk, structural damage, and mold growth.
   • That’s where ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons steps in: we can handle water damage restoration, mold remediation, specialty cleaning (biohazard/black water) and full reconstruction if needed. Our work is certified, professional, and with minimal disruption.
4. Documentation & insurance readiness
   • Keep all inspection/cleaning records. Many insurance claims hinge on proof of maintenance.
   • Understand your lateral liability. Many homeowners are responsible from the house to the main (check your municipality). Root intrusion or blockages may not be covered unless you acted proactively.

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Helps

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons (North Shore & Lake County branches), we specialise in full-service property-protection solutions for home emergencies brought on by plumbing/sewer failures:

• Water Damage Restoration: When a toilet or sewer line backs up, we remove water, dehumidify, clean surfaces, monitor moisture to stop secondary damage (flooring, drywall, mould).
• Mold Remediation: Sewage/backflow often involves category 3 (high risk) water. We perform containment, HEPA filtering, microbial remediation and clearance testing.
• Specialty Cleaning: Bathroom/sewer failures require bio-hazard cleaning and sanitization — not just mop-and-go.
• Reconstruction Services: If root intrusion or severe pipe failure leads to structural damage (floor joists, finished basement, finishes), we coordinate build-back scope seamlessly.
• Preventive Consultation: We help homeowners understand inspection intervals, lateral maintenance, tree-root risk and what to flush (and what to bin).

Our goal: minimal disruption, certified professionals, trust in process and fast return to normal.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. If a wipe says “flushable,” is it safe?
A: Not necessarily. Independent and utility research show many products labelled “flushable” do not disperse like toilet paper. The major UK study found only ~0.88% by weight of blockage-items were properly flushable items. Water UK+1 For highest safety, treat wipes as trash.

Q2. Can I flush a sanitary pad or tampon?
A: No. Sanitary pads, tampons, applicators, feminine wipes often contain materials that don’t break down and may trap other debris. The UK blockage study found ~20% of items by weight included cosmetic wipes & feminine hygiene products. Water UK+1

Q3. Why do tree roots invade my sewer line — what triggers them?
A: Root intrusion happens when pipes have joints/cracks, leaks, shallow depth, or are made of older materials (clay, older concrete). Roots seek moisture/nutrients and exploit pipe defects. Research shows roots account for >50% of blockages in older systems. Forest Service R&D+1

Q4. My toilet flushes OK now — do I still need to worry about these things?
A: Yes. Blockages often begin slowly (partial restriction, slower flow) and then suddenly escalate (full backup or lateral collapse). Older homes with tree-lined lots are at higher risk of root preparation. Preventive action is much cheaper and less disruptive than reactive repair.

Q5. What are the signs of sewer lateral problems before full backup?
A:

• Toilets that flush more slowly than usual or gurgle.
• Multiple drains in the house backing up together.
• Tree roots visible in landscaping along lateral path.
• Sewage smell in basement or ground-floor room.
• Strange humidity or mold growth in basement (hidden leak).

Q6. What is the difference between a regular backup and a “black water” category event?
A: A backup involving raw sewage, sewer-lateral failure or external ground water intrusion is category 3 (“gross contamination”) and requires professional remediation, proper PPE, HEPA filters, drying and sanitation. Our team at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is certified for this level of work, which differs significantly from a simple flood or clean water event.

Q7. How often should I schedule lateral inspection/maintenance?
A: For homes in tree-rich zones, older construction (pre-1990), or with signs (see Q5) we recommend inspection every 5-10 years. For newer homes with clean histories, 10-15 years may be acceptable — but always after heavy rainfall or after root intrusion repairs.

Q8. My kitchen sink is connected to the same lateral as my toilet — does pouring grease down sink matter?
A: Yes. Grease, oils and fats (FOG) solidify, adhere to pipe walls and create “sticky” surfaces. Flushable wipes and other solids adhere to that grease, accelerating blockage and fatberg formation. So yes — grease disposal matters just as much.

Q9. If root intrusion is found, what are the homeowner’s options?
A: Options include: root cutting/jetting, pipe relining (no-dig), full replacement of the lateral, tree-root barrier installation, changing landscaping (tree removal or relocation). We can help assess which is right for your case.

Q10. Does homeowners insurance cover sewer lateral backups or root intrusion damage?
A: Coverage varies widely. Some policies exclude lateral failures, tree-root damage or maintenance issues. It’s wise to review your policy, ask your agent about lateral coverage or sewer backup endorsement, and keep your inspection/maintenance records to support claims.

Conclusion

Blockages in toilets and sewer lines are rarely random; they’re the result of behaviors or conditions that build over time: flushing wipes, disposing of sanitary items improperly, pouring grease down drains, and tree roots exploiting older pipe systems. For homeowners in the Chicago, its Northwest Suburbs, North Shore, and Lake County, the risks are high—but manageable.

By adopting simple behavioral changes, scheduling preventive inspections, and partnering with a trusted restoration specialist like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, you protect your home, minimise disruptions and maintain comfort and safety.

If you suspect a sewer-lateral problem, have had repetitive backups, or want a professional evaluation of your property’s risk — we’re here for you.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest and most trusted disaster restoration brand. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons proudly carries that legacy forward with over 40 years of local expertise serving Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and surrounding suburbs.

As an IICRC-certified firm and a proud member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), our team provides expert water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning services. We also offer full reconstruction to restore your property from start to finish.

Led by industry experts in Chicagoland—an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer—our company is recognized for its industry-leading standards, award-winning service, and trusted partnerships.

Locations: Chicago | North Shore | Lake County | Oak Park & River Forest
Chicago: (773) 376-1110 | North Shore / Lake County: (847) 316-9145 | Oak Park: (708) 524-0304

Contact us 24/7 for fast, professional service. We’ll get you back to normal—FAST.

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