How to prevent a sewer backup

HOW HEAVY RAIN CAN CAUSE SEWER BACKUPS

The municipal sanitary sewage system might get overwhelmed when there is an abundance of water and debris that enters the system as a result of intense rainfall or quick snow melt, please continue reading and learn how to prevent a sewer backup

In the event that there is an excessive amount of water that exceeds the capacity of the sewer system, the excess water may flow backward into the sewer line of your home and then overflow into your basement.

There are practical solutions available to prevent sewage backups, which might be a concern in your area if it has a history of these backups.

WHAT ARE REGULAR SIGNS OF SEWER BACKUPS?

Understanding the early warning symptoms can help reduce risks.

These indicators are necessary for an efficient sewer drainage system.

Bad Smells – If there is a sewer backup, your drains may smell bad.

The lack of free circulation of wastewater in your pipes is what produces an odor. Unfortunately, it stops in one place for too long and emits a bad stench that may be both annoying and unhealthy to breathe.

Just think of all the bacteria that are dwelling in your pipes and being dispersed throughout your house.

While permitting unidentified microorganisms into your house can be dangerous, sewage smells are unpleasant.

Standing Water Near Floor Drains – Floor drains are typically found in basements, laundry rooms, and attached garages.

Sewer lines frequently back up into these spaces if you have these drains before backing up into your toilets. Water building up at these drains is a sure sign that wastewater is backing up and not flowing freely. The obstruction hasn’t totally halted the water flow, though. If you discover this issue, it’s critical to call a plumber straight away because a partial blockage could result, in flooding certain parts of your home.

Gurgling Sounds –

As you may be aware, the gurgling sound could be a sign of a slow drain.

You might have a backlog in the main sewer line if you hear the toilet gurgling or bubbling while operating an appliance, such as the washing machine.

When the bathroom sink is running, water overflows into the shower. Even if you only hear a faint gurgling after flushing the toilet, it is crucial to realize that something is wrong. You might be able to unclog a blockage on your own. However, you might need to contact your plumber if there is a backlog.

Water Drains Slowly

– Blocked sewer lines can cause toilets and drains to drain slowly.

To identify if the backup is a single drain line or the main line, utilize another drain or toilet at the lowest level of the house. If one drain is functioning properly, the backup will most likely happen in that one drain. In this situation, your drain can be clogged, but you can clear it yourself. If you notice and hear slow draining, it’s most likely an issue with the main line.

Using chemical drain cleaners can be risky and erode your pipes, increasing the likelihood that you’ll experience a backup later on. Try first plunging or snaking the drain to clear a sufficient clog.

HOW TO AVOID A SEWER BACKUP IN YOUR BASEMENT

• Install Check Valves to Prevent Flooding

Ask a plumber to install check valves on all of your basement’s plumbing fittings, including floor drains. A check valve allows water to exit the drain as intended but stops it from coming back in. If the municipal sewers become overburdened during a major storm, check valves should prevent gray water and sewage from seeping up through your floor drains or into your plumbing fixtures.

• Place a Sump Pump in Place to Drain Flood Water

A wise move to prevent flooding in your basement is to install a sump pump. Always consult an expert to discover which kind and model of sump pump will best meet your needs. For instance, groundwater sump pumps help prevent excess subsurface water from seeping into your home, whereas gray water sump pumps transfer used household water out when gravity is unable to.

Sump pumps may shield your home’s foundation in addition to shielding it from flooding and water damage. If the earth around your home becomes saturated, it becomes unstable, and if it becomes cold enough, the frozen, expanded moist soil will push up against your foundation, sometimes with enough force to fracture it. Sump pumps can help keep the soil surrounding your foundation drier and more stable by removing the extra water there.