One of the most common causes of residential sewer system backups is tree root intrusions in the sewer line. If trees, bushes, or shrubs are planted too close to your sewer line the roots will stretch downward in search of water, eventually growing and expanding into the pipes. This can cause cracks, holes, breakage, and a buildup of debris. You can avoid tree root intrusion by not planting trees, shrubs, and bushes near or around your sewer line.
Can You Have a Sewer System Backup From Rain?
Yes, you can have a sewer system backup caused by heavy rainstorms or earthquake activity. Heavy rain causes debris, dirt, sludge, and organic matter to build up in the municipal sewer system. Some systems can’t handle that buildup and the excess water may flow backward into your own home’s sewer line. Eventually, water, debris, and sewage will back up and overflow into your basement through the drain. We can inspect your sewer line and let you know if you would benefit from installing an exterior cleanout, a sewer backup valve, or elevating your house drain to reduce your risk of sewer backup from rain.
Having a Sewer Backup Prevention System in Place
You can reduce your risk of a sewer system backup by putting a sewer backup prevention system in place. We can walk you through designing the right sewer backup prevention system for your home based on its specific needs or you can take these steps to lower your risk:
- Flush only toilet paper down the toilet. Don’t flush tampons, cardboard, paper towels, baby wipes, makeup removal wipes, or other trash or debris.
- Avoid planting trees, shrubs, or bushes in the absorption field of your sewer system.
- opt for pipe relining or replacing old pipes as soon as it’s necessary.
- Get plumbing problems fixed as soon as possible.
- Schedule video inspections of your sewer line regularly to check for problems.
- Schedule routine preventative maintenance like drain cleaning.
