What Causes Sewage Backup in the Basement?

Main Causes of Sewage Backup in the Basement

If sewer lines become blocked, the prevention of wastewater flowing through the drainage pipes is inevitable. A solid black water forms due to this blockage, and it can put your home and your family at serious risk due to the many viruses and contaminants present. These can put your loved ones and animals at risk of severe illness, so fixing these issues is a very time-sensitive issue.

If you notice that your sewage is backed up in your basement, you will need to fix it immediately. But, knowing the cause of these blockages and backups are very helpful, and we are here to help you identify any problems that you may have, what they are, how they were caused, and what you can do! Here’s how to avoid and control sewage backups in your pipes:

Causes of Sewage Backups

There are numerous different factors that can play a role in the damage and backups of your sewer lines in your basement and here are a few of the main reasons you and your home may experience a sewage backup:

Tree Roots

Believe it or not, those beautiful pieces of nature out in your front and backyard can actually cause damage to your home beneath the surface. Roots from trees can grow to excessive lengths and actually be found entangling with your sewer line. These roots can pierce the pipes entirely or wrap themselves around the pipe so tight that it bursts. If you think you are off the hook because you do not have any trees in your yard, there is still the chance that roots from neighboring trees can still create a problem.

Damaged Sewer Lines

Due to different factors, sewer lines can be subject to easy damage, especially if they are older. Back in the day, pipes were being manufactured made with cast iron and clay; well, let’s just say that they don’t seem to last too long. Old systems, like any old product, are prone to easily break down. You can avoid this issue by updating your pipes and sewer system and or doing routine checks with the professionals at Arco Plumbing.

Severe Weather Conditions

Heavy rainfall and snowfall is a cause of sewer backup. Large amounts of water can overrun city and village sewer lines, which puts your home at risk for potential backflow.

Clogs

If your basement pipes or main sewer line is clogged, sewage can back up into your home. Determining if it is a backup of the complete sewer system or just one specific pipe is essential. If all toilets and sinks in your home are backed up, then you have a full backup of the sewer system. If just one toilet or sink is backed-up, well, you might just have a simple blockage in the direct pipe.

Sewage backups are annoying and unfortunate things that can put your home and family at risk, not to mention the inconvenience it has on your day to day life. To get quick and reliable results, do not hesitate to contact us today. One of our certified plumbers will come directly to your home.

How to Prevent a Sewage Backup in Your Basement

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain or in the Toilets

Thinking about pouring grease down drains or toilets in the basement may seem odd, but often children and teens think that running downstairs to get rid of the oil without the parents knowing is a better and faster option. No matter where you are in the house, cooking oil can and will harden in your pipes, this will stop the flow of debris from draining, causing a backup.

Install a New plastic Pipe

As mentioned before, many old houses have seasoned pipes and systems prone to damages and failures. Trusting in Arco plumbing to offer you new and innovative plastic pipes is the best option to take if you want long-lasting pipes, and in the end, save yourself more money in the future.

Cut Tree Roots

Tree roots are silent killers of pipes and sewer systems, so contracting a company to cut the tree roots makes sure that you can keep your beautiful trees and not have them cause any problems with your sewer system.

Install a Backwater Prevention Valve

This equipment enables sewage to leave but stops it from backing up into your house. Backwater valves are typically introduced into a sewer line and sometimes into a sewer line in the basement.

Sewage Pump Maintenance

Maintaining and general checkups are vital. Making sure your sump pump isn’t sitting on debris like gravel or dirt is essential, as contaminants could be sucked up and ruin the motor.

What To Do When Faced With A Sewage Backup

When faced with a sewage backup, you need to call a professional, but there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage before the Arco Plumbing team arrives.

1. Get out of the area that is flooded; you don’t want to bring any harm to you, your family, or your pets.
2. Turn off the power in the basement; you do not want to short circuit any of your devices.
3. If you have to access the flooded area, wear a facemask, goggles, gloves, and proper footwear.
4. Shut down the main water line to your home.
5. Don’t use the water.
6. Open windows and vents to get rid of the smell so that you can be at least a bit comfortable.

Why Choose Arco Plumbing To Help with Sewage Backups In The Basement

If you have a sewage backup in your basement, call us at Arco Plumbing to help right away. We know the severity and toll sewage backups can have on your home and family; they need to be as soon as possible. Our clients are our number one priority, and we want nothing other than what is best for them. So no matter the time, day, or place, if you encounter a sewage backup in your basement, do not hesitate to call Arco Plumbing today!

Last Updated on June 2, 2021 by Arco Plumbing Services