When sewer lines become obstructed, 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 to 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 for a 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 a sewage ejector system may have failed. Clogs can consist of hair, grease, 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 or clay, which can deteriorate or develop damaged joints over time. 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.
- Have damaged sewer lines assessed. A licensed plumber can inspect root intrusion and recommend cleaning, repair, or replacement. Do not cut roots or replace buried sewer pipes without appropriate professional advice.
- 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.
- Maintain the correct pump system. A sump pump typically handles groundwater, while a sewage ejector handles wastewater. Have each system maintained according to its own manufacturer’s instructions; do not modify the basin or add a brick or filter fabric without that guidance.
What You Can Do If You Have a Sewage Backup in the Basement
Calling us at +1 336-776-3630 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 our restoration team arrives:
- Evacuate the flooded area. Sewage contaminants are hazardous to pets as well.
- Have power to the flooded area shut off safely; do not enter water or approach wet electrical equipment to reach a breaker. 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.
- Keep people and pets out of sewage-contaminated areas. Ordinary clothing, a face mask, or glasses do not make it safe to walk through sewage.
- 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-backup coverage depends on your policy and may require a separate endorsement; ask your insurer to confirm. 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.
- Do not add bleach or other chemicals to standing sewage. Keep away from the affected area and let trained personnel assess extraction, cleaning, and disinfection.
For Professional Sewage Cleanup, Call the 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 for water damage repair and mold remediation services.
