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Oh No! Sewer Backflow!


Sewer backup describes what happens when water comes up or is pushed into your home through the pipes from sewer or drainage systems. It is a very unpleasant type of water damage because it often involves dirty water from the sewers that will not only destroy your personal property but can also impact your health because it's so unsanitary.

There are several potential sources of sewer backup:
  • Blockage of a city sanitary main: If the city main gets blocked, it may cause water to back up into your home through your pipes.
  • Aging sewer systems that require updates or repair.
  • Tree roots: When you have older pipes, sewer lines and water entry pipes, tree roots can find their way into the pipes and cause blockages. You can check for this problem on your own lines by having a plumber check your pipelines with a camera and do some basic preventative maintenance on your home, which we will address in a little bit.
  • City-related pipeline issues like combined pipelines or problems in the sanitary main: When the system you are using combines the sewage and stormwater into one pipeline instead of having a separate pipeline for each, these are combined pipelines. The system can get overwhelmed in a storm and the water can back up into your home.
  • Overflow or back-up of the drainage systems in your home. If your gutter systems or rainwater pipes are blocked or overwhelmed by debris or sudden water flow it may cause a back-up into your home.
We had mentioned that there is some basic maintenance that you can do or have done by a professional. Follow these tips to prevent sewer backflow.
  • Dispose of Grease Correctly: Cooking grease can solidify inside your pipes if it’s poured down the drain. Instead, let your grease cool down and solidify, then scrape it into the trash can. Also avoid pouring food waste, starches, or coffee grounds into the drain.
  • Be Careful What You Flush: All that should be flushed down the toilet is bathroom tissue. Avoid flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels. Even if a product says it’s flushable, it may not really be safe to flush. Flushing improper items will clog your toilet and lead to sewer backups.
  • Install a Backflow Valve: A backflow valve (also called a backwater valve) allows water to flow out of your home. If water starts to flow backward, the valve will close. This can help protect your house in the event of a sewer backup. You’ll need a licensed plumber to install a backflow valve for you.
  • Trim Tree Roots: If you have a large number of tree roots in your yard, the roots may start to grow into your sewer line. Have a professional inspect your trees and trim the roots to prevent them from damaging your sewer line.
  • Clean and Maintain Your Sewer Line: Preventative care is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of a sewer backup. A plumbing expert should inspect your sewer pipe once a year for any signs of damage. You should also schedule an annual sewer cleaning to keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
However, if you see this list and you have already messed up and are looking for help in the Stark or Wayne County, Ohio, area, we can help! For emergency work and all other plumbing services, don’t hesitate to give Prestige Plumbing, LLC a call at 330-828-8888. Our team is happy to assist you! We guarantee a 24-hour response. Learn more about us at http://prestige.plumbing/.

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