Top 4 Causes of Sewage Backup

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure to check the drain pipes in your home

Common Causes For Sewage Backup

A flooded basement is problematic enough on its own, but what happens when the cause of that flood is sewage backup? In short, a very expensive and dangerous mess that needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible. In this case, the best way to protect your home in Sleepy Hollow, IL, is to prevent incidents like this from happening in the first place. Knowing the most common causes for sewage floods is the key to protecting your property.

1. Heavy Rain and Severe Storms
Large amounts of water can quickly overwhelm sewer lines. This starts with the main public lines and quickly spreads to the connected residential lines. When this happens, you're likely to experience sewage back flow.

2. Overgrown Tree Roots
Both sewer lines and tree roots are underground, meaning that they can sometimes become intertwined. Overgrown roots can wrap around the sewage pipes, crushing and damaging them.

3. Sewage Pipe Clogs
Everyone experiences minor pipe clogs from time to time. When these clogs become severe, they can ultimately result in sewage backing up into your basement. Make sure to check all the toilet, bathtub and drain pipes in your house. If most of the pipes are experiencing backup, then the clog is likely sourced in the main sewage line. This can also be a sign that your sump pump is failing.

4. Aging or Damaged Sewage Lines
Sewage pipes aren't meant to last forever. Older pipes are made out of cast iron, which tends to break down and crack apart with age. When this happens, a flooded basement is imminent. Luckily, modern pipes are crafted out of plastic, which is less likely to break down over time.
Knowing the most common causes for sewage backup is only the beginning when it comes to protecting your home from falling victim to a flooded basement. You also need to make sure you're implementing the proper preventative measures. Contact flood remediation experts for help.