How to Prevent A Sewer Backup & What to Do if You Have One
A sewer backup is one of the last issues a homeowner wants to deal with. There are a few things that homeowners can do to help prevent a sewer backup from happening to them.
Tips On How To Prevent A Sewer Backup
- Dispose Of Cooking Grease Properly – Cooking oil should NOT be poured down the drain. Cooking oil should, in fact, be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly after it has cooled.
- Always Dispose Of Paper Products Properly – Never put anything other than bathroom tissue down the toilet. Other paper items do not deteriorate as bathroom tissue does and can cause a great deal of trouble.
- Replace Your Line With New Plastic Pipes – Replacing your line with plastic can help prevent tree roots from entering and breaking the lines.
- Correct Any Known Illegal Connections – It is illegal to connect French drains, sump pumps, and other systems to your sanitary sewer. Doing so can cause debris and silt to clog your drains.
If you feel you have any plumbing issues that may need to be addressed, contact a licensed and insured plumber. Do not be afraid to ask for proof of insurance. If you need insurance of any kind, please contact our independent insurance agents by clicking below.
I Have A Sewer Backup, Now What?
Sewer backup into your home? It has happened even to the best of us. It can be stressful but here is some information to keep in mind in case it ever happens to you. Your house could flood.
What Do I Do With My Sewer Backup
If your sewer line backs up it is a good idea to take photos of the affected areas and itemize any other property losses for your insurance claim. Keep receipts from the repair, cleaning, or damages, and call us so we can help you make a claim.
Prompt cleanup of affected areas/items is essential in preventing disease, further destruction, damage to your house, and even electrical malfunctions. Here are some things you will want to do (if you can):
- Drain away all water/sewage.
- Remove dirt, soil, or other debris from surfaces that might have come into contact with any sewage.
- Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant.
- Air out the area by opening any windows and using fans.
- Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures.
- Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or other wall covering.
- Cleanup of ductwork.
- Throw out anything that cannot be disinfected to prevent the spread of disease.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Backup?
In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by a sewer backup. This type of event—where wastewater backs up through drains or toilets—can lead to major damage and expensive repairs. Unfortunately, unless you’ve added specific coverage to your policy, your insurer likely won’t cover the costs.
To protect against sewer backups, many insurance providers offer an optional sewer backup endorsement. This is an add-on to your homeowners policy that covers damage from backups caused by things like heavy rain, tree roots, or clogged city lines.
If you’re unsure whether you have this coverage, check your policy details or ask your insurance advisor. The extra cost for this protection is usually low compared to the potential damage a backup can cause. It’s a smart addition for homeowners—especially those in older neighborhoods or areas prone to heavy rainfall.
Prevent A Sewer Backup FAQs
How Do You Prevent Sewer Backup In Heavy Rain?
If you suspect your home is at risk for a sewer backup, make sure your trap plugs are tightly fitted to filter any sludge and debris from floodwaters that pour into your home. It's also possible to have a backwater check valve installed if the house sewer is for sanitary use only.
What Causes Main Sewer Line To Backup?
The most common type of sewer backup is from clogged pipes. The combination of toilet paper, hair, soap scum and grease (as well as a two-year-old's fascination with what will and will not flush) are common causes of sewer backups
How do I Fix A Sewage Backup In My Basement?
If you are experiencing a drain backup in your basement, your wash tub basin, or laundry tub, may be the culprit. A quick fix may be to clean the strainer on the drain inlet, which you can easily do yourself. When the trap under the basin is clogged, you can try a plunger to clear the sediment and debris.
How Do I Stop My Basement Sewer Backup From Flooding?
1. Don't pour grease down the drain. 2. Dispose of paper products properly. 3. Install a new plastic pipe or cut tree roots. 4. Install a backwater prevention valve. 5. Sewage pump maintenance.
What Are Signs Of Sewage Backup?
1. Gurgling sounds coming from a drain. 2. Unusual odors coming from the sinks, showers, or drains. 3. One or more drains moving slower than usual. 4. Water backup into the shower or tub.