Sewage Backup Causes: 6 Ways to Respond

Of all the ways water can damage or deteriorate your home, the most inconvenient is a sewage backup in the basement. It’s stinky, filthy, and can be dangerous to clean up. 

Even when the wastewater is gone, the smell can linger if nothing is done to restore damaged walls, floors, and more. Suffice it to say a sewage backup is a nightmare for homeowners.  

Luckily, you don’t need to panic. Here’s what you should do when a sewer backup damages your basement and home. 

What Causes a Sewage Backup in Your Basement?

Unfortunately, several things can cause a sewage backup to plague your basement. The first one that likely comes to mind is a clog. Hair, soap, and objects not meant to be flushed can eventually build up in the main sewer line creating a dangerous blockage.

Another common cause for a sewer line to back up is excessive rainfall. Sewer lines can accommodate large volumes of water; however, they do have a capacity limit. If this limit is broken, the sewer lines connected to your home can force water into your basement. 

Other reasons for sewage backup in your basement can include a damaged sewer line due to age and tree roots growing into or crushing sewer lines. 

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How to Prevent a Sewage Backup in Your Basement

While you can’t control the amount of rainfall in your area, there are some things you can do to prevent a sewage backup in your basement. 

Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain

After cooking with oil, you may be tempted to pour hot or cooled-off grease down the drain. Don’t do that. Grease will harden in your pipes, creating the potential for a backup. It’s better for your plumbing to pour grease and fat into a heat-resistant container and dispose of it in the trash. 

Proper Disposal of Paper Products

Not everything can be flushed. Never toss paper towels, diapers, and feminine products in the toilet. Although toilet paper is ok to flush, some paper products will cause clogs that can lead to sewage backups. 

Cut Tree Roots

Nearby trees can sprout roots that interfere with sewer lines. Occasionally cutting roots can go a long way in preventing them from reaching sewer lines. 

Get a Backwater Prevention Valve

What if you could allow sewage to leave without worrying about it coming back? That’s what you can expect when you install this fixture. You can have it installed in the sewer line or the drain line in your basement.

Sump Pump Maintenance

Your sump pump is your best defense against excessive water creating a small pond in your basement. But if it’s blocked or clogged by debris, it will have a hard time draining water. Regularly inspect the sump pump and have it repaired or replaced if it’s not working correctly. 

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What To Do if You Have a Sewage Backup in Your Basement

Sewage isn’t just disgusting; it can be very dangerous. Unlike spills, wastewater can’t just be cleaned up by anyone. It takes a professional wearing protective equipment to handle sewage backup cleanup and restoration.

As soon as you see sewage or wastewater flooding your basement, you should contact a professional restoration company and then: 

1. Evacuate your basement. 
2. Shut off all power to the flooded areas.
3. Shut off the main water line to your home.
4. Wait for the professional to show up and begin the cleaning process

Restore Your Home With Our Water Damage Services

When sewage backups happen, you don’t have time to waste. Pick up the phone and dial (207) 377-1877 and ask for our water and flood damage services. No matter the time or day, our specialists can be there to help get your property cleaned up and restored to its pre-loss condition.