If you notice that there’s an obstruction in your sewer line, you have to take action right away. Otherwise, you will have to deal with a larger problem instead: a sewer backup that results from overflowing wastewater in your drain pipes and sewer lines. Fortunately, we are here to tell you about possible causes of sewer backup, what to do when it happens, and how to avoid it.
Common Causes of Sewer Backup
Aging Sewer Systems
PVC, clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg are among the materials most commonly used in the making of sewer pipes. Even though they are relatively durable, they tend to age and will eventually wear out. The structure of your sewer pipes will inevitably weaken and may entirely collapse with time. The American Society of Civil Engineers explains that the USA has at least 500,000 sewer lines that are over 30 years old. It only makes sense that more and more people are experiencing sewer backups, flooding, and other plumbing-related issues.
Faulty Routing and Connections
You can have your sump pumps, downspouts, and gutters connected to your storm sewers without causing any problems. However, if you connect them to your sanitary sewer, this can result in significant problems. Because of how dangerous this is, routing them to your sanitary sewer is illegal in some states. In heavy storms, great amounts of water end up in your sump pumps and gutters. While this is something that storm sewers are designed to accommodate. Sanitary sewers can’t hold these huge amounts of water, making it more likely for backups to occur.
Growing Tree Roots
Some tree roots can grow as deep as the tree itself is high. This means that even when you don’t have any trees in your immediate garden, you’re still at risk of having tree roots threaten the integrity of your home. They may end up reaching the joints of the service pipe and the sewer line cracks, resulting in serious damages and blockages. If you suspect that this is the problem, it’s worth noting that your only solution would be cutting the roots and having the pipes repaired or replaced.
Municipal Sewer Issues
If the municipality ignores issues in the sewer long enough without taking proper action, wastewater will end up flooding people’s properties through the floor drains. The worst thing about this problem is that it’s rather difficult to detect as it comes with no warning signs. It also accumulates and builds up slowly. Sewage water can pose great threats to your health, and so if you notice water seeping through the floor drains, you need to make sure to contact a professional plumber to salvage the situation right away. You also need to report to your municipality or local authorities.
What to Do In Case of Sewer Backup
If your home has been affected by a water backup, you need to check all your wastewater pipes, sinks, and toilets to detect any blockages. Refrain from using your toilets and sinks until the problem is resolved. If the problem is affecting only one drain, then this is likely a plumbing issue. If more than one area of your house is affected, then this is probably a problem in the city’s mainline or one of your home’s sewer lines. You can contact a professional plumber to help you out since you may not have the requisite expertise in that area.
Dealing with the aftermath of a sewer backup can be incredibly overwhelming and taxing. This is why you should consider seeking the services of a sewage backup cleaning company to help you out. These companies typically offer a wide range of services, including flood drying, basement flooding cleanup, mold treatments, leakage detection, and more. They will make sure to disinfect the affected areas and responsibly dispose of all waste.
In the meantime, there are some safety precautions you can take. If you’re dealing with an outdoor backup, you need to shut the power off from all electrical items running in your garden. Make sure to dress in the appropriate gear, comprising face masks, safety goggles, and rubber boots when you’re near sewage water.
How to Prevent Sewer Backup
Have Your Sewer Line Inspected
It’s crucial that you hire a professional inspector to check on your sewer line every 6 to 10 years. Sewer line inspectors will detect early signs of clogs, cracks, and damage. If there are any blockages or buildup, they will snake and clear them to prevent potential issues. Catching early signs of damage will allow you to remedy the situation before it spirals out of control.
Have Your Sewer Line Cleared
Make sure to have your sewer lines cleared every 3 to 5 years. This will help you avoid any blockages and prevent backups from happening. The process involves having the sewer line cleaned out and connected to a large vacuum to get rid of any blockages and clogs.
Be Wary of the Things You Drain
Try your best not to allow pasta, rice, coffee grounds, oils, fats, and solid substances from going down your drain. You don’t want to risk developing diseases like Hepatitis A, which can result from interaction with sewage. Make sure to dispose of all your wastes mindfully. You shouldn’t also attempt to flush sanitary napkins, toilet paper, and other items that aren’t essentially meant to be flushed.
Be Mindful of Routing and Connections
As we mentioned above, you should never have your regular sewer lines connected with sump pumps, downspouts, and route gutters. They should be routed to your storm sewers. If you live somewhere with no storm sewers, keep them discharged above-ground and at least 6 feet away from your property’s foundation.
Replace Aging Sewer Lines
If your sewer lines haven’t been replaced for a couple of decades, then it’s time to get them replaced. They’re probably either cracked or have been penetrated by growing tree roots. Replace your older sewer lines with newer plastic piping to prevent tree roots from growing right through them. Their smooth surface allows for tree roots to simply grow around the sewer lines instead.
A sewer backup is not a pleasant problem to deal with. You want to do everything you can to avoid having your wastewater drainage system impacted by the damage. This issue typically takes place in the main sewer line connecting your property to the sanitary sewers of the municipality.
