Imagine your basement full of sewage backup! Disgusting, right? So, what do you do in this situation? This blog is your pocket guide!
What Is a Sewer Backup?
A sewer backup happens when wastewater flows in the wrong direction through your sewer system. Instead of draining away, dirty, foul-smelling water reverses course and comes up through sinks, drains, and toilets in your home.
All the wastewater from your home’s plumbing fixtures needs an outlet. Depending on where you live, your property may connect to either a city sewer system or a private septic system.
While both systems are designed to manage wastewater effectively, they are not immune to backups. Sewer backups can occur for various reasons, such as blockages, damage to sewer lines, or flooding. Regular maintenance and prompt action are critical to avoid this messy and potentially hazardous issue, whether connected to a municipal sewer or a private septic system.
How Do I Tell If My Sewer Is Backed Up?
Fat or oil deposits, plant roots in pipes, non-flushable items, and sagging pipes are the most common sources of blockage in a home sewer system.
One thing should be clear: a sewer backup is not a simple plumbing issue. It is an indicator of more serious problems and may include health risks. With this understanding, you can take timely actions to prevent potentially costly repairs and disturbances.
● Multiple drain issues: If various plumbing fixtures in the house, such as toilets, baths, sinks, etc., exhibit a reduced drainage speed and gurgling sounds simultaneously, even without using the toilets, a blockage may have developed in the sewer line.
● Having weird odour problems: A strong and unpleasant smell from the drain or, even worse, the vicinity of the house usually suggests a sewer has failed. This odour is usually caused by liquids containing human waste that cannot flow freely.
● Wastewater comes back: It is obvious there is a blockage when wastewater overflows into sinks, bathtubs, or toilets after they are flushed, and such obstructions warrant immediate attention.
● Unexplained lawn patches: If parts of your lawn are unusually lush or soggy, it might mean your sewer line has leaked or burst underground.
● Overfilled cleanouts: Sewer cleanout pipes located outside your house should remain dry. Overflowing water or waste here signals a backup.
If you see these early warning signs in Vancouver, call an expert and take action immediately. Waiting can only make the problem worse.
Tips to Prevent Clogged Sewers
Let’s face it: Clogged sewers and drains in the home are an annoyance. However, you don’t have to fret; with scheduled strategy and maintenance activities, you can avoid these problems. Here’s how:
● Use enzyme cleaners occasionally: As a general remedy, do not neglect cleaning after receiving professional service and use over the counter sea enzyme-based drain cleaners where necessary. This is the main type of enzyme drain cleaner that’s designed to eliminate organic residue such as food, hair, and mildew using bacteria. Enzyme cleaner solutions are safe for the environment and will not harm your plumbing systems, unlike strong chemicals.
● Do not plan plants near sewer drainage: Tree and plant roots aroiund pipes are one strong cause of clogs and pipe damage. It is prudent to avoid planting trees, bushes, and large plants near your sewer lines and scope the area around your pipes regularly to remove aggressive roots.
● Only flush down toilet paper. Remember that a toilet is not a bin. Flushing foreign materials increases the chances of blocked drainage, which is ultimately costly!
● Hire a professional for inspections and maintenance: Clearing sewer lines is important if you don’t want a backup to build up.
How to Report a Sewage Backup?
Reporting a sewage backup effectively ensures timely action and minimizes health risks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handle this situation.
● Evaluate the situation: Determine the severity of the backup. Check whether the issue is isolated to your home or if neighbours are experiencing similar problems, which could indicate a larger-scale issue.
● Contact a professional: If your property experiences backups, immediately contact a sewer line specialist. They can diagnose the cause, whether it’s a clogged pipe, tree root intrusion, or a municipal sewer line issue.
● Notify local authorities: If the backup involves municipal sewer lines, contact your local water or public works department. Provide detailed information, including when the backup started, affected areas, and any noticeable patterns.
● Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the affected areas for insurance claims and reports. Include visible signs of wastewater, property damage, or affected personal items.
● Call your insurance provider: Inform your homeowner’s insurance Company about the sewage backup. They can guide you on claim procedures and any coverage for cleanup and repairs.
● Follow safety guidelines: To prevent health hazards, avoid contact with sewage. Wear protective gear and keep children and pets away from contaminated areas.
Timely reporting and action can save you from extensive repairs, potential health risks, and future recurrences.
Book Sewer Cleaning & Camera Inspections in North Vancouver with Budget Drainage
Before purchasing a property or landscaping your new driveway project, you must call to check the location and condition of your underground services.
When you experience sewer line problems, perimeter drainage services, water lines, or underground services, you need to trust a professional company. Budget Drainage is your Premier source. Family owned and operated, servicing North and West Vancouver since 1994, we will efficiently solve your sewer backup problems. Call Budget Drainage today for all your sewer line service needs.