How To Prevent A Basement Sewage Backup

If you’ve ever suffered a flood in your basement, then you know there’s a lot more to deal with than just water damage. The majority of sewer backups involve wastewater. This is a health issue that can be incredibly costly to clean up. The foul smell is one indication that it is a sewer backup because sewage backup water has a bad smell.

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Identifying what is causing sewer backups could help you avoid a risky situation in your basement. Here are some simple tips from our experts at Restoration 1 of St. Augustine on how to avoid sewer backups in your pipes.

How To Avoid Sewer Backup

Install A Backwater Valve

A backwater valve is installed in the sewer pipe in the basement. A backwater valve allows sewage to exit but not revert back. If the sewer line backs up, the backwater valve will close automatically. When properly installed and maintained, it can serve as the last line of protection against sewer backups. Consult a licensed contractor to set up an approved backwater prevention valve.

Properly Dispose Of Grease

Instead of flushing cooking oil into the drain, should always place it in a heat-resistant canister and properly dispose of the oil after it cools. Cleaning oil down a drain with hot water is insufficient. When the oil cools, it may solidify in the drains, the homeowner’s pipe, or even the main sewage, which causes the line to tighten up and eventually clog.

Set Up A Sump Pump

A sump pump can release water that accumulates in the basement or the crawl space if your house is in a low-lying area or where flood events are possible. Depending on use, a sump pump could last anywhere between 10 to 15 years. Sump pumps resolve a variety of issues, by using a floating trigger to detect and activate whenever the water level increases to dangerous levels. Depending on where you reside, the water is pumped outside and away from the house, either back into the storm sewage pipe or into a drainage ditch.

Cut Tree Roots Or Install A New Plastic Pipe

To prevent tree roots from tearing down your sewer lateral (the plastic pipe buried in the backyard), consider replacing it with a nice plastic pipe. If tree limbs continue to grow in the sewage lateral, you should cut them out on a regular basis.

Conduct A Thorough Inspection

If you are not familiar with your house’s plumbing and sewer systems, you should consider hiring a qualified professional to check them. The service person will identify issues that could lead to a future sewer problem and make recommendations on how to prevent clogging as effectively as possible.

Sewer backups are the most common cause of sewage water damage to a home. When sewer backups cause water damage, Restoration 1 of St Augustine is here to assist. As sewer backup cleanup experts, we will assist you in cleaning up the mess, avoiding mold, eliminating odors, and sanitizing the damaged areas for your safety. Call Restoration 1 of St Augustine today for sewage water damage cleanup in St Augustine.