When wastewater gets blocked from flowing properly through your sewer pipes, it can result in a sewage backup, wherein dirty water comes up through your sink, drain, or toilet. This plumbing issue poses various health hazards to you and your family. So, it’s crucial to have it fixed immediately.
One of the places where a sewage overflow can occur is your home’s basement. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Sewage Backup?
Because the basement is the lowest part of your house, it is one of the first areas a sewer backup can affect. This problem could happen due to various reasons, including:
Clogs – The reason why sewage backs up is because it’s unable to flow freely through your drains. That said, one of the major causes of this plumbing problem is a blockage in your pipes or main sewer line. Clogs occur because of items trapped in the drain, such as hair, grease, or other solid objects.
Tree Roots – If you have trees in your backyard, you should know that they may cause damage to your home’s plumbing. Tree roots can grow excessively long and twist around your sewer line, which can cause cracks, holes, or even bursting of the pipes, resulting in a sewage backup. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for nearby trees too, as they can still reach your main plumbing lines.
Damaged Sewer Lines – Older sewer lines were usually made of clay or cast iron, which aren’t as durable as modern piping materials. So, if you have outdated plumbing in your home, you are more at risk of experiencing damage in your sewer main, which may lead to wastewater backup.
How Can You Prevent Sewage Backup?
While it can be difficult to determine when and how a backup may occur, there are some steps you can take to minimize the chances of it happening. Here are some of them:
• Do not pour grease down your drains as they can harden and cause blockage.
• Perform regular sump pump maintenance to ensure it’s in proper working condition.
• Cut tree roots in your sewer lateral to prevent them from clogging pipes.
• Upgrade old sewer lines with modern plastic piping that are more durable and resistant to root intrusions.
Talk to a Trusted Plumbing Expert
Understanding what causes sewage backup in the basement and how to prevent it can help you navigate through the problem if you encounter it in the future. But issues like these still require a professional’s help. So, if sewage overflows in your basement, contact HJ Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection for emergency plumbing services.