The water that isn’t draining from your sink, shower, or toilet isn’t something you’d want to tackle, But life happens regardless of what you want to do.
If you take care of your pipes, it is possible to avoid the possibility of backup internally. However, often, it’s municipal pipes that are causing the problem. So, what should you do? Are there any things you can do ahead of time before a plumber arrives?
What Causes Pipe Backups?
If a drain line is blocked or weakened, the water will flow into your residence. Indeed, you will not notice a clog until the issue becomes a problem. However, spotting the signs before it becomes an issue can minimize the risk of damage.
Backups can result for many different reasons. It is only more difficult when the main drain line is the cause of your issue.
Common Backup Causes
- Flush non-soluble substances
- Pipes that are damaged or sewer systems
- Sewer line overloads due to storms/floods
- Roots of trees
- Blockages in city sewers
- Sump pump failures
How Do You Prevent Backups?
1: Only Approved Flush Items
Don’t treat your toilet as one of the garbage disposals. Anything inappropriate for your toilets, like diapers, wipes, and personal hygiene products, could accumulate in time and cause severe harm to your home.
2: Save Your Kitchen Sip from Food
You should use a sink filter in your kitchen and only flush toilets in your home. Please use the compost bin and garbage bag to dispose of food items or grease which could make it into your drainage system.
3: Install a Backwater Valve
Installing a professional backwater valve will decrease the chances that sewage could enter your home. It is a one-way escape backwater valve that permits your sink, toilet, and other drainage systems to drain from your house. The valve’s flap shuts off any liquid or waste pumped out of your main sewer line.
Backwater valves won’t stop the flow of water within your home.
What Should You Do When Your Pipes Do Not Work?
Acting soon after becoming aware of sewage is advised because it is offensive-smelling and carries dangerous diseases. Backups to pipes can prove disgusting and aren’t something homeowners want to confront. If you have the right equipment and information, you can do a few things to avoid serious issues with your lines.
1: Diagnose and Clear Blockages
If you’ve found an issue with water, look over your toilets, sinks, and wastewater pipes to identify any blockages inside your property. Beware of using your sinks and toilets until you have identified the source of the issue.
If you notice a blockage in one of your drains, you can use an unclogging plunger to clear the problem.
If multiple drains or toilets are blocked, the sewer line or mainline of the city is probably the cause of the issue. If this occurs, call an experienced plumber or an expert in wastewater immediately.
2: Steps to Secure
We’re all aware of the dangers of combining water and electricity. If a basement is flooding, serious risks can occur. Most homes can find electricity shut off in the cellar, where sewage backups begin to build up.
If you notice standing water, don’t enter your basement until you have the power shut switched off. You should call your electric utility for assistance if your shut-off basement is on.
3: Note the Event
Maintaining detailed records of the damage during an emergency pipe backup is vital information to your insurance provider. Some insurance policies for tenants and homeowners don’t protect against backups. However, most homeowners will not have insurance documents if standing water is detected. You could benefit from making a recording of the occurrence to be ready.
Drainpipe and Sewage Backup Professionals
The possibility of having sewage enter your home isn’t something we suggest handling on your own. A professional plumber’s presence on the premises will likely save you time and money in your home.
Ottawa Plumbing Service has provided plumbing services to servicing Ottawa for a long time. From replacing outdated pipes to cutting out tree roots, we can assist you in preventing backups and resolving any plumbing issues you may have. It can help you repair your home after a flood.
Call (613) 317-1682 or drop us an email at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com, and the Ottawa Plumbing Service in Ottawa will ensure your home is up to code.
