When sewer lines become obstructed, whereby preventing wastewater from flowing through drainage pipes, blockage occurs. The thick, black water that forms as sewage is a potential hazard, as it contains contaminants and viruses that can present a risk of severe illness if exposed to humans or animals. If you have a sewage backup in your basement, you will need fix it quickly. However, knowing what causes sewer backups can help you prevent a hazardous situation in your basement or home. Here’s how to prevent and handle sewage backups in your pipes:
Causes of Sewage Backup in the Basement
- Clogs – Sewage can back up into your home when either your home’s drain pipes or main sewer line becomes clogged. For example, if one toilet creates a sewage backup, the drain connected to that toilet will likely be clogged. But if all toilets or bathtubs in your home create backflows, then there may be a clog in the main sewer line or the sump pump failed. Clogs can consist of hair, grease, toilet papers or other solid materials that end up in the drains.
- Tree Roots – Trees can grow really long roots that intertwine with your sewer line. Roots can grow into a pipe and cause holes or crush the sewer line by growing around it. Even if the roots in your yard are not the problem, roots from nearby trees can reach your sewer line and damage it.
- Damaged Sewer Lines – In the past, pipes were made of cast iron and clay piping which don’t last very long. Aging sewage systems can break down and crack, causing sewage backups and flooded basements. Plastic sewer lines have now become the norm.
- Heavy Rainfall – Can heavy rain cause sewer backup? Yes, large amounts of rain can overburden your city’s sewer lines. If the public sewer can’t handle excess rainfall, the water can make its way into connected sewer lines. This puts your home at risk of water backflows.
How to Prevent a Sewage Backup in the Basement
- Don’t pour grease down the drain. Cooking oil can harden within your pipes; it gradually stops debris from draining, creating a clog. To properly dispose of grease or fat, pour it into a heat resistant container and throw it in the trash after it cools off.
- Dispose of paper products properly. Flushing hygiene products such as paper towels, diapers, or feminine products down the toilet can easily clog your sewer line. Save yourself some trouble and discard paper products in the trash.
- Install a new plastic pipe or cut tree roots. To prevent tree roots from damaging your sewer lateral (the line buried in your yard),replace it with a new plastic pipe. If tree roots still grow in your sewer lateral, cut the roots occasionally.
- Install a backwater prevention valve. This fixture allows sewage to leave but prevents it from backing up into your home. Backwater valves are typically installed into a sewer line and sometimes into a drain line in the basement.
- Sewage pump maintenance. Ensure your sump pump doesn’t sit on debris such as silt or gravel, which could be sucked up into the pump, ruining the motor. Instead, place it on a steady flat brick. Also, ensure the sump basin has a filter fabric around it to stop debris from coming in.
What You Can Do If You Have a Sewage Backup in the Basement
Calling a professional restoration company is the best way to deal with sewage backup in the basement. However, here’s what you can do to mitigate the damage in your home before the restoration team arrives:
- Evacuate the flooded area. Sewage contaminants are not only hazardous to humans, it is also hazardous to pets as well.
- Turn off electrical power in the flooded area. Electrical wires or appliances might come in contact with standing water or wet materials.
- If the main circuit breaker is in the basement, be careful. If you can’t safely turn off the power, don’t go near electrical devices.
- Wear protective clothing like a facemask, eyeglasses, gloves, and rubber boots before walking through sewage water due to the toxic contaminants.
- Shut off the valve for the main water line of your home. Check out how to shut off utilities during a disaster.
- Notify your insurance company about the sewage backup. Remember that sewer backups are not covered by standard homeowners insurance, unless you’ve purchased extra endorsements for sewers and drains. Learn more about homeowners insurance and water damage.
- Notify your municipal authority or sewer department if your home is connected to a public sewer.
- Don’t use the water supply system in your home until the backup problem is fixed, don’t flush toilets or drain tubs and sinks.
- Open windows or doors to let fresh air in and ventilate the area.
- Add some chlorine bleach to the standing water to help disinfect.
Call PuroClean Water Damage Restoration Experts
If you have a sewage backup in the basement, call a restoration professional right away to remediate the black water damage. Handling the contaminated water yourself can put you at risk of contracting diseases.
Contact PuroClean of Lakeville for water damage repair and mold remediation services. PuroClean of Lakeville proudly provides services in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Farmington, Rosemount, The Twin Cities and neighboring areas. Contact us at anytime, 24/7 at (952) 377-8477. If sewage is already in your basement, see our sewage backup cleanup service.
Homes on a private septic system have different sewage backup risks; our water damage restoration in Credit River page covers wells and septic systems.
Burnsville residents can see what the city recommends after a sewage backup on our water damage restoration in Burnsville page.
Who Fixes What After a Sewage Backup?
In many cities, the pipe that runs from your house to the city main, called the sewer lateral or service line, belongs to the homeowner. The City of Burnsville, for example, explains in its water and sewer FAQs which parts the city maintains and which parts are the property owner’s job. Check with your own city, since the rules vary. Homes on a private septic system have their own risks; the EPA septic systems page explains how to care for one.
Why Sewage Backup Cleanup Needs Extra Care
Sewage is not clean water. It can carry bacteria and viruses, so porous materials it touches, like carpet, pad, drywall and insulation, usually have to be removed. Our IICRC-certified team:
- Wears protective gear and sets up containment so the mess does not spread to clean rooms
- Removes sewage and contaminated materials and disposes of them properly
- Cleans and disinfects hard surfaces
- Dries the structure and makes follow-up moisture-monitoring visits until it is dry
- Handles repairs and reconstruction afterward
Sewage Backup and Insurance
Many homeowners policies treat sewage backup as separate coverage that has to be added. Read your policy and ask your agent before you need it. If a backup happens, take photos, keep damaged items until your adjuster sees them, and call your insurer early. We work with insurance companies, help document claims and can bill your insurer directly. Your insurer decides what your policy covers.
Need help with a sewage backup now? Call PuroClean of Lakeville at (952) 377-8477, 24/7. We are based in the Lakeville area, serve the entire south metro and give free estimates.
