How to Avoid a Sewer Backup in Your Home

There are few things as disruptive to a household as a sewer backup. When wastewater flows in the wrong direction, it can flood your basement, ruin your flooring, and introduce dangerous bacteria into living spaces. The damage is not only unpleasant but expensive, often requiring extensive cleanup and restoration work. But there’s good news: most sewer backups are preventable with the right knowledge and maintenance strategies. Here at Knight Sewer and Drain, we want to help you understand why backups happen so that you can take proactive steps to help you avoid this messy and costly ordeal.

What Causes Sewer Backups?

Sewer backups can happen for any number of reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Many of these causes are preventable through good maintenance habits, while others require professional intervention. Here’s a closer look at some of the primary culprits behind household sewer backups:

Old or Damaged Pipes

Many homes, particularly older ones, have sewer pipes made of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg. Over time, these materials will deteriorate, leading to cracks, collapses, and even blockages. Even newer pipes can suffer from wear and tear, especially if they were poorly installed or have been subject to frequent clogging issues.

Heavy Rainfall and Sewer Overflows

Municipal sewer systems are designed to handle a certain amount of wastewater, but during heavy storms, they can become overwhelmed. When this happens, water can flow back through residential sewer lines, causing backups in basements and lower-level bathrooms.

Tree Root Infiltration

Tree roots tend to naturally grow toward moisture, making underground sewer pipes a prime target. Once roots penetrate a small crack in the pipe, they continue to grow and eventually form dense blockages that can restrict or completely block the flow of wastewater.

Improper Waste Disposal

The way a household uses its plumbing has a significant impact on the risk of sewer backups. Flushing non-biodegradable items, pouring grease down the sink drain and washing food scraps into the kitchen sink can all contribute to blockages that eventually cause backups.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Your Sewer System Flowing

While some of the causes of sewer backups are out of your control, many may be prevented with proper maintenance and good plumbing habits. Here are some of the best ways to reduce the risk of a backup in your home.

Upgrade Aging Sewer Pipes

If your home still has old clay or cast-iron pipes, replacing them with modern PVC piping can reduce the risk of cracks, collapses, and tree root infiltration. A professional plumber can inspect your existing pipes and recommend the best course of action.

Install a Backwater Valve

A backwater valve is a simple, yet effective device that prevents sewage from flowing back into your home. This valve allows wastewater to exit but closes when it detects water attempting to flow in the wrong direction. Many newer homes with backwater valves, but older homes may need one installed as an upgrade.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

One of the easiest ways to prevent sewer backups is to be cautious about what enters your drains. Avoid pouring grease and oil down the sink. Instead, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash. Only flush toilet paper and be sure to put items like wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products in the garbage. You may also want to consider drain strainers to catch hair and food particles before they enter your pipes and contribute to blockages.

Routine Sewer Line Inspections and Cleanings

Even if your plumbing seems to be working fine, schedule periodic inspections to help catch potential problems before they lead to backups. Plumbers use specialized cameras to inspect sewer lines for cracks, root infiltration, or buildup. At Knight Sewer and Drain, we offer professional cleanings, such as hydro jetting, which can remove accumulated debris and improve drainage efficiency.

Improve Outdoor Drainage

If heavy rains tend to cause flooding in your yard, excess water may be making its way into your sewer system. You can counteract this by ensuring gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation, installing a sump pump if your basement is prone to flooding, checking for standing water in the yard, and addressing any grading issues that may contribute to excess water seeping into underground pipes.

What to Do If a Sewer Backup Occurs

Even with the best precautions, sewer backups can still happen. When they do, acting quickly can minimize damage and health risks.

Stop Using Water Immediately

If you notice sewage backing up into your sinks, tubs, and toilets, stop using all water fixtures in your home. Running additional water will only make things worse.

Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas

If the backup has reached electrical outlets, appliances or your breaker box, turn off the power to prevent electrocution risks.

Avoid Direct Contact with Sewage Water

Sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. Avoid touching it and keep children and pets away from the affected areas. If cleanup is necessary, use protective gloves, masks, and disinfectant.

Document the Damage for Insurance Purposes

Backups can sometimes lead to an unfortunate amount of damage. If this happens to you, take photos and keep records of any repairs. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if sewer backups are covered, as some policies require an additional rider for this type of damage.

Sewer backups are every homeowner’s nightmare, but with proper maintenance and preventative measures, they can often be avoided. By being proactive, you can protect your property and maintain a functional, problem-free sewer system for years to come. If you’re looking to avoid sewer backups, give Knight Sewer and Drain a call. We can do everything from drain cleanings to hydro jetting to camera inspections. Contact us today to learn more!