How to Prevent a Sewage Backup And Water Damage in the Basement

If you have ever had a flood issue in your basement due to severe rain, you know that there is a lot to deal with other than water damage. Sewer backup claims usually involve sewage/wastewater. This is a health problem that can be extremely expensive to clean up. The stench is one sign that it is a sewage backup, as sewer backup water usually has a very bad odor.

However, recognizing what is causing sewage backups can help you to avoid a dangerous situation in your home or basement. Here are some tips for preventing and dealing with sewer backups in your pipes.

Major Causes of Sewage Backups

There are many potential common causes of sewage backups:

• Aging sewer systems
• Combined pipelines
• Sanitary main blockages

How To Prevent Sewer Backup

1. Install Backwater Valve

It is installed in your basement’s sewer pipe. A backwater valve enables sewage to flow out but not back inside. If the sewer backs up from the sewer line, the backwater valve automatically closes. When properly placed and maintained, it can act as a last line of defense in the prevention of sewer backups. Consult a certified plumbing company to install an approved backwater prevention valve. 

2. Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump will release water that gathers in the crawl space or the basement if your property is in a low-lying region or where floods are likely. A sump pump can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, depending on usage. Sump pumps address numerous problems but the use of a floating trigger to identify and activate when the water rises to dangerous levels. Based on where you stay, the water is then pumped out and away from the property, either back into the storm sewer line or into a drainage ditch.

3. Install a New Plastic Pipe or Cut Tree Roots.

Replace your sewer lateral (the pipe buried in your backyard) with a nice plastic pipe to avoid tree roots from destroying it. If tree roots continue to grow in your sewer lateral, cut them out regularly.

4. Dispose Of Grease Properly.

Cooking oil should always be placed into a heat-resistant jar and properly disposed of after it has cooled, rather than flushing it down the drain. Cleaning oil down the drain with heated water is insufficient. The grease might solidify in the drainage, the home owner’s pipe, or the main sewage when it cools, causing the line to constrict and finally clog.

5. Conduct a Thorough Inspection

If you are unfamiliar with household plumbing and sewage systems, consider contacting a qualified professional to inspect your home. The service person can identify difficulties that could contribute to a future sewer issue and provide suggestions on how to prevent blockages as effectively as possible.

Water Damage Restoration in Charleston

The major source of sewer water damage to a property is sewage backups. When you experience water damage from sewage backups, Restoration 1’s local staff is here to help. As sewage backup remediation experts, we will help you clean up the mess, avoid mold, eliminate odors, and sanitize the affected area for your safety.  The quicker we can get started, the better. Our highly skilled personnel take care of these crucial sewage clean up tasks promptly and safely, restoring your surroundings to normal. For sewage water damage restoration in Charleston, contact Restoration 1 of Low Country today.