Sewer backup is one of the most common plumbing problems that affect a large number of households. It is caused when the subsurface water overflows through the sewer system of the home. This prevents the wastewater from draining away from your home due to the damage and obstruction in the pipe. Many problems are caused due to backed-up sewers resulting in the wastage of thousands of dollars due to damage to the walls, furniture, floors, electrical systems and other valuable belongings. Therefore, as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain and take the proper steps that are needed to protect your home from the problems of sewer backup.
Drain cleaning is the most important plumbing procedure that you need to follow so that you will no longer have to deal with this potentially costly and unpleasant experience.
Reasons for backup
There are many reasons for sewer backup, which includes:
- Old and deteriorating pipes
- Tree roots
- Improper waste disposal
- Clogged pipes
- Stormwater
- Excess rainwater
Sewer backup leads to basement flooding, which can eventually cause a high degree of contamination due to sewage-tainted water. It can be extremely risky for the environment and human health and you need to look for ways how to prevent sewer backup. While the problem of a sewage backup might appear to be very small, you need to be careful so that the problem is not aggravated.
Ways to prevent sewer backup
Storm
When there is a heavy storm or rainfall, it often causes sewer backup, and basement flooding as the drains are not working in the desired manner. The best way to solve this problem is by choosing drain cleaning professionals who will look for the actual cause of flooding or clogs. When the drain is cleaned professionally, the excess water will be drained out of your property so that it does not lead to further damage.
Aging sewer system
If your property has an old and broken sewer system, it can lead to frequent overflows, flooded basements and sewer backups. When you are facing this problem due to an old sewer system, it is extremely important that you hire a plumber to replace the system with a new and advanced option.
Clogged drain
There are many reasons for clogged drains which is due to oil or fats poured down into the drain and the wrong disposal of sanitary products. This problem can be prevented by using the garbage disposal in a proper manner so that it does not lead to further blockage. Moreover, you need to run water before and after washing the food waste so that your drains will no longer be subjected to blockage. Drain cleaning can also help in removing the residue or blockages that result in sewer backup.
Tree roots
There are instances when tree roots are grown in the sewer system, and it can be a real threat to your property and plumbing system. Shrub roots and small tree roots can easily reach the service pipe joints and sewer line cracks, causing blockages and significant damage to the system as the tree roots grow. The best way to prevent this sewer backup problem is by getting the roots cut and then replacing or repairing the pipes.
Flushing the wrong products
There are many things that are flushed down the toilet, right from feminine products to paper towels, diapers and wipes. These products can lead to pipe blockage, eventually resulting in sewer backup, and the best way to prevent this issue is by disposing of these products into the trash bin.
Food products, grease and oils
When food products are washed down the drain, the grease and oil accumulate in the pipes. This gradually causes a buildup which is difficult to remove, and for this, you will need to call drain cleaning professionals to deal with clogged drains. A major septic problem is caused when you are unaware of which food products are finding its way into the drain pipes. Since, it cannot handle these products, the problem of backup arises, and it is the major cause of inconvenience to the homeowners in the long run.