An unplanned sewer backup can be something you should avoid at all costs. It happens when the water doesn’t drain properly from your house due to an issue or difficulty. The problem is usually on the main line of sewerage connecting the home to the municipal sewers for sanitary purposes. If not dealt with immediately, it will continue to fill up your drainpipes and sewer lines, which can cause a backup.
Find out what causes an issue with your Sewer backups and receive advice on avoiding it from a reputable plumbing expert.
Common Causes of Sewer Backup
Old Sewer Systems
PVC, cast iron, or clay is the most common materials used to make sewer pipes. These materials are robust, but they can’t last forever. It’s normal for sewer pipes to degrade and ultimately fall apart as they age. The increasing number of houses connected to old sewage systems has also contributed to the increase in sanitary sewer backups, overflows, and basement flooding.
Routed into the Sewer Gutters, Downspouts, and Sump Pumps
There’s nothing wrong with connecting your gutters, sump pumps, and downspouts in storm drainage systems. However, connecting them through your sanitary sewer may be risky or illegal, depending on your area. During severe storms, much water can flow through gutters and sump pumps. Due to the limited capacity of sanitary sewers, there is a greater risk of a backup.
Sewer Pipes with Tree Roots
Tree roots can travel a long distance and pose dangers to your home, even when there aren’t any trees on your land. The origins of small trees and shrubs can penetrate sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, which can cause significant damage and obstructions when they increase. Once they are in the pipes, the only solution to remove them is to cut the roots and then repair and replace the lines.
Municipal Sewer Problems
The wastewater could go back into homes via floor drains if a blockage within the municipal sewer line isn’t discovered or treated immediately. The problem usually develops gradually and doesn’t show any indications of a problem until it is detected. Get a plumber whenever you observe a leakage around the floor drains. Call the office of your local public works department and report the issue if water leaks rapidly into your basement.
Signs of a Sewage Backup
It’s not difficult for homeowners to miss warning signs of a possible sewer backup. The slow drains in your home are a clear sign of the fact that your line may be suffering from problems. If multiple drains are affected, your sewer line could have severe issues requiring expert attention.
Suppose waste re-enters another pipe after it is time to flush your toilet or use the washing machine. When the waste rises and flows into drains within your home can be an indication of a more significant problem. In that case, it could also indicate problems with the drain.
Human waste is a biohazard; thus, we shouldn’t handle it lightly. In some instances, the toilet could back up, causing filthy water to spill onto your bathroom floor. If this occurs, cleaning and sanitizing your space is imperative. Without a proper fix, do not use the plumbing system. It’s helpful to know how to contact a plumber in your area in an emergency like this.
How Can a Sewer Backup Be Avoided?
Take a Sewer Line Inspection
Engage a professional for a thorough examination of the state of your sewer system once every 6 to 10 years. Professionals will search for evidence of damage, cracks, and blockages. They will clear and snake sewer lines, and they may employ a camera to search for any cracks within the pipes.
Clear You’re Sewer Lines
Cleansing sewer lines every 3 or 5 years will aid in preventing backups. The process typically involves connecting an extensive vacuum system to the drain line cleaning. The machine will clear obstructions from the line, which helps prevent clog formation.
Be Aware of What You Throw Away
You cannot pour fats such as oils, coffee grounds, pasta, rice, and other solids into the kitchen drain. It could cause a blockage. Put cooking oil used in an oven-proof container to dispose of correctly after it has cooled. Once the used cooking oil has cooled, pour it into a heat-resistant container and dispose of it properly.
Do not flush paper towels, diapers and wet wipes, napkins, and other items that break easily. It can also be helpful to keep hair catchers in your tubs and showers.
Route Gutters, Downspouts, and Sump Pumps in a Proper Manner
Do not connect downspouts, gutters, or sump pumps through regular sewer pipes. Be sure they’re connected to storm drains instead. If there are no storm sewers within your area and they discharge above ground and at least 6 feet away from the foundation.
Replace Old Sewer Lines
If you have older sewer pipes, having them changed is advised. In the past, plumbers utilized clay pipes or cast iron which is softer than modern plastic pipes. Tree roots can quickly through these materials and are also more susceptible to cracking due to shifting soil.
Roots are more likely to grow around it than through it because of its smooth surface. The latest plastic pipe technology can stop tree root problems. You may also contact an expert to rid yourself of the roots of trees circling the sewer line. Do not attempt to cut the sources on your own, as you could damage the tree or cause further damage to the sewer lines.
Deal with Drainage Problems
Be sure the plumbing in your home is operating to standard by getting an expert inspection. Repairing any issues with drain connections can aid in preventing basement flooding due to rainstorms and reduce the possibility of a backup in the sewer. Additionally, suppose you plan to sell your home shortly. In that case, it is essential to address these issues before deciding to sell it.
In Ottawa Plumbing Services, we’re there to assist you with your plumbing requirements. Whether your plumbing needs are a straightforward emergency repair, you can rely on the knowledgeable and courteous professionals at Ottawa Plumbing Service. Email us at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com or give us a call at (613) 317-1682.
