A sewage backup is any homeowner’s nightmare. Not only does it cause property damage, but it can also lead to serious health risks. Sewage backup occurs when wastewater and solid waste flow back into your home through the plumbing system or other water sources. Several causes can lead to sewage backup. Here are ten of these issues.
1) Clogs in pipes or sewer lines caused by debris such as wipes, paper products, grease, tree roots, and even children’s toys.
2) An obstruction in the main sewer line due to an earthquake or heavy rains prevents the regular flow of sewage from leaving the house through gravity drainage.
3) A broken pipe in your home that allows wastewater to enter your walls and other parts of your home instead of being diverted down the drain pipes.
4) Damaged or poorly installed seals on your plumbing system.
5) A broken or malfunctioning sump pump.
6) Low water pressure in the municipal water supply that needs to be stronger to push wastewater and solid waste through the pipes.
7) Clogged storm drains due to debris like leaves and mud preventing wastewater from flowing out of your home’s drainage system properly.
8) Improperly maintained septic tanks can cause sewage overflow if not kept up with regular cleaning and maintenance.
9) Old or outdated piping systems can no longer handle the amount of wastewater being generated in a home.
10) Blocked sewer vent pipes which prevent air from entering the pipes and naturally pushing the wastewater out.
Although sewage backup can be caused by various issues, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it. Here’s a ten-step process to help you check your plumbing for sewage backup and to prevent it from happening.
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Regularly inspect your sewer lines
Nothing trumps regular maintenance. It’s important to perform regular inspections of your sewer lines and pipes by a professional plumber. You can always make it a point to have your sewer lines inspected every once in a while.
Using Filters
A filter effectively protects your plumbing system from debris and other objects that can lead to clogs. Install filters in each drain of your home.
Checking the sump pump
A malfunctioning sump pump can be one of the main causes of sewage backup. Make sure you check it regularly and replace any worn-out parts if necessary.
Remove tree roots
Tree roots are a common cause for clogged sewer lines and pipes, so it is important to remove any trees near your home’s sewer line or surrounding plumbing system.
Clear storm drains
Regularly inspect your storm drains to ensure they aren’t blocked with leaves, mud, and other debris, as this can prevent wastewater from flowing out properly.
Clean out septic tanks
Make sure you clean out your septic tank at least once every three years to prevent it from overflowing and having sewage backup in your home.
Install backwater valves
Install backwater valves that will help keep wastewater from entering your home should there be flooding or a broken pipe in the area.
Replace old piping systems
If you have an older plumbing system, consider replacing it so that it can handle higher volumes of water flow.
Check vents
Check the sewer vent pipes regularly to ensure leaves and other debris do not block them. A blocked vent pipe can’t allow air into the pipes and thus won’t allow wastewater to leave appropriately.
Educate yourself and your family
Knowing how to prevent sewage backup is key. Make sure you educate yourself and your family on the risks of sewage backup and on how to take preventive measures.
Sewage backup can cause several health issues due to the bacteria and other contaminants in the wastewater. When contaminated water seeps into your home, it can come into contact with food, surfaces, and other items. This can make them unsafe for you and your family to be around or consume. Long-term exposure to sewage-contaminated air can lead to serious respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Sewage also contains potentially hazardous chemicals that can be absorbed through skin contact or inhalation, leading to digestive problems, skin reactions, eye irritation, and even neurological damage. Additionally, byproducts of sewage, such as hydrogen sulfide gas produced when solid waste breaks down anaerobically, can cause serious illness when inhaled.
Therefore, it is extremely important to take measures to prevent sewage backup and quickly clean up any spills or leaks that may occur. Regular plumbing system maintenance can detect problems early on and help avoid them in the future. Additionally, installing sump pumps and backflow valves can help prevent wastewater from entering your home’s drainage system. Finally, having an emergency plan for dealing with a sewage backup will ensure that you are prepared should an unfortunate event occur
