What Does It Mean When Your Sewage Backs Up in the Basement?
A sewage backup is one of the worst plumbing issues that you can have. It can cause serious damage to your home. It is also a hygiene issue. Fortunately, a plumber can easily resolve this issue once they find out what causes it. There are several things that can cause a sewage backup in your basement.
You Have Put the Wrong Things in Your Drain
One of the main reasons that sewage backs up is because the wrong things have been put in the drain. Many people have a tendency to treat their drains like garbage cans. You should only put water, waste and toilet paper in your drains. Flushable wipes, food waste, and fats are some of the things that can clog your drains. While drain cleaners can help with fats and some food waste, it’s best to have a professional plumbing company come and handle the removal of larger objects, as well as to evaluate the need for more serious measures.
Tree Roots Are Growing in Your Pipes
The problem may be outside of your home. If there are tree roots growing in your pipes, then your sewage may back up. For serious breaches, you will need to call a tree removal company to come in and remove the tree roots. After that, they will have to repair or replace the pipes. While this is unlikely with small, newer trees, older trees have been known to make their way through sewage pipes and block up the flow, especially with older homes that haven’t been recently updated.
Cracked or Collapsed Sewer Pipes
Your sewer pipes have a tendency to deteriorate as they get older. Clay, cast iron and PVC are strong materials, but they are not built to last forever. It is important for you to have your pipes inspected on a regular basis. If your pipes deteriorate, then you will need to get them repaired or replaced. A sewage backup can result if you don’t get the pipes replaced.
Problem With the Municipal Sewer
In some cases, the problem is not caused by something that you have done. A sewage backup can result if there is a problem with the municipal sewer. Municipal sewers have a tendency to deteriorate as they get older, and while the government is supposed to have regular maintenance done, sometimes they need a reminder from the actual residents.
It is not always easy to tell whether there is a problem with the municipal sewer. However, if multiple people in your neighborhood have clogged pipes in their homes, then the problem may be caused by the municipal sewer.
A sewage backup can ruin your basement and home. It can be caused by putting the wrong things in your drain and tree roots. It can also be caused by a problem with the sewer pipes or municipal sewer. The good news is that a plumber can find the cause of the problem and rectify it.