How To Fix Sewer Backup In My Basement

Don’t panic if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a basement sewer backup. Although it can be frustrating, there are ways you can begin the cleaning process yourself. Follow these steps to discover what your options are.

 

What to do immediately after finding a sewer backup in your basement

You should take safety precautions when dealing with a basement sewage backup.

1. If basement flooding is a concern, shut off electricity to the affected area.
2. Turn off the water supply
3. If you must walk in sewage water, wear protective gear such as a facemask or boots.
4. Do not use your sinks or toilets at the moment to avoid toilet overflow and sewer backup.
5. Talk to a water damage profesional 

 

Sewage backups can be more than a nuisance. Sewage backups can be more than just unpleasant smelly messes.

In most cases, a professional should be called to clean out a basement sewer backup. If the damage to your basement isn’t too severe and the flooding/backup isn’t too serious, you can follow our steps for cleaning up your flooded basement.

What does it mean when your sewer backs up in the basement

There are many reasons why your basement has sewage backups. Most often, the problem is with the main sewer drain line. This is when the main sewage drain line becomes blocked. The basement is the lowest point of the house so the sewage can back up.

You could also have a blocked drain in your basement. This is possible if the drains are not getting back up.

 

What causes a Sewage Backup

Common causes of sewage backup are clogs, grease buildups and improperly flushed items like paper towels and single-use wipes as quoted by the sewage cleanup Los Angeles expert, Omry of 911 Restoration of the San Fernando Valley. A sewage backup can also be caused by damage to sewer lines. This prevents water flow properly. Strong storms with heavy rains can cause sewage backups in people’s homes.

 

Aging Sewage Systems

Pipes age quickly, even though you may not be aware of it. They are aging quickly because they were made from cast iron and clay pipes, which don’t last long. Altering sewage systems can crack and break down, leading to a variety of problems such as backups that cause basement flooding. These rapid increases in homes connected to aging sewer lines have also been a result of an increase in their number.

 

Sewer Backup Can Tree Roots Cause Sewer Line Sewer Backup

Trees and shrubs looking for moisture can get into the sewer line cracks and cause sewage backup. Installing new plastic pipes to fix any problems or leaks can help prevent tree roots entering your waterworks.

 

Is your basement drain backing up?

It is important to clean up a basement drainage backup as soon as you notice it.

 

Fix Sewage Backup in Basement Floor Drains

We can help you fix your basement drain backups right away. There are some home remedies that work better than others. Pouring Drano down your sewer can cause damage to your pipes and the glue that holds them together. This could lead to more problems in the future. Coca-Cola is another option, but it can leave behind residue.

A drain snake is an excellent tool for unclogging plumbing fixtures in most cases. If you don’t own one, you can use a plunger or hose to unclog a blocked drain.

 

Basement Floor Drain Backing up: Water

If your basement floor drains are clogging with water, you can try baking soda with warm water . If this doesn’t work, you can pour some dish soap down your drain and let it sit overnight. Water backing up in your basement drain could result from a blockage of the drain line, tree roots, pipe deterioration ,, or improperly flushed objects.

 

Basement Floor Drain Backing up: When Kitchen Sink Drains

If your basement drain is backing up after a sink-full in the kitchen sink above it is drained, this could indicate a piping problem and you should get a professional to look at it.

 

Basement Floor Drain Backing up: After Shower

A blocked drain after a shower could be a sign of a partial blockage in the main drain line. If it is a root problem, such as a segmented line or a root problem, you may need to call a professional.

 

Basement Floor Drain Backup Up with Poop

A blockage in the drain line can cause a floor drain to back up with feces. First, remove all debris from the tank. Next, look for any clogs in the trapway. You should call a plumber if there isn’t a clog. If your basement drain is blocked with feces, it can cause other problems in your home.

 

Basement Floor Drain Backing Up: When It Rains

A lot of water and debris can build up in the municipal sanitary sewers during heavy rains or snowmelt. If the system cannot handle it, water and debris can flow backwards into the sewer line of your home before bursting down into your basement drains. Installing a sump pump can help prevent basement flooding from heavy rains.

 

Basement Floor Drain Backing up: Septic

There may be many reasons why your basement is backed up. Most often, the problem is with your main sewage line . If only one drain is clogged, it could be a problem with your basement drain.

 

Basement Floor Drain Backing Up: When Doing Laundry

A blockage is the most common reason basement drains back up while washing clothes. Sometimes, a small drainpipe can blockage and require you to replace it immediately.

 

Basement Floor Drain backs up when toilet is flushed

After flushing your toilet, the most common reason for sewer backups is something was flushed. Tree roots can also cause sewer backups. The water line must be turned off to prevent any further blockages. The shut-off valve will be located on the street side of your home. You will find it either on your street or inside your house. You will then need to contact professionals because a sewer line backup can cause damage to the city’s sewage lines, which could cost you more.

If none of these options work and you are still unable to resolve the problem, get in touch with a professional. It is unlikely that a drainage problem will resolve itself. In fact, it may get worse. Make sure to call a professional as soon as you can to clear any sewage blockage.

How much does it cost for a main sewer line to be unclogged? The average cost of these services is $200 to $400. However, if the pipes are damaged or need to be replaced, it may go up into the thousands.

 

Is Homeowners insurance able to cover sewer backup costs?

Your homeowners insurance doesn’t usually cover sewage backup. Additional insurance coverage is available to cover sewage damage at an additional cost. 

 

How to clean and disinfect the basement floor after a sewer backup

Protect yourself

After you have cleared the sewer backup and unclogged your drain, you will need to clean the area. Protective equipment is required to remove any remaining water with a dry vacuum. You can also use towels or paper towels if there isn’t too much standing water. You should remove all sewage water. This will prevent mold.

After you have removed the water, gather any solids using a broom, shovel, and then dispose of them in a large garbage bag. Books and soft toys that have come in contact with sewage should also be thrown out.

Next, disinfect the area. You should be able use the cleaning products that you have already in your home. Bleach kills bacteria in sewage. After a thorough cleaning with hot water, dish soap and dish soap, you can use bleach to clean the area. It should be left for 20 minutes before you wash it off.

 

What about carpet floors?

These steps can be applied to a hard floor, but it is much more difficult for carpet flooring. A carpet that has been contaminated with sewage water must be removed completely. Call a professional if you decide to clean it. They will be able to safely handle the carpet.

 

Health risks of basement sewage backup

It is important to thoroughly clean the affected area of a blocked sewage drain in order to make your home safe and livable again. Sewage leaks can pose health risks, including the possibility of Hepatitis A, Salmonellosis, Dysentery and Salmonellosis.

When dealing with flooding caused by sewage backups, electrocution is a serious concern. Before entering a basement that has been flooded, make sure you have turned off all electricity and gas.

 

Is Sewage Backup a Health Risk?

Sewage water should not be ignored. It is crucial that you deal with sewage backups in your basement quickly.

You can get sick from the pungent smell of sewage. Toxic gases found in sewage can cause everything from skin irritation to death and organ damage.

Your risk of getting sick is lower if you take safety precautions and wear the correct gear.

 

How to stop sewage backup in the future

You’ll never forget the experience of a basement sewer backup. These are steps to take to avoid a repeat.

 

Plastic Pipes

Install new plastic pipes. Installing new plastic pipes can solve basement drainage problems. Although this is a costly option, it can be a good investment for your safety and health.

 

Keep Drains Clog Free

It is much easier and cheaper to change the behavior of your family to prevent clogged drains. You should not flush wet wipes, paper towels or feminine products (even if they are flushable), down the toilet. Instead of putting grease and oil leftover from cooking in the trash, or in a container that is disposable, you can dispose of it.

For a safe disposal guide, you can search the website of your municipality or city. 

Backwater valves can also be used to prevent future sewage backups. These are one-way valves which allow sewage to drain out of the drain and not back up into your home.

Your sump pumps shouldn’t be sat on any debris like gravel or silt. This could cause damage to the motor. Place it on a flat, stable brick. To prevent any debris from entering the basin, a filter fabric should be placed around it.

 

Eliminate Illegal Plumbing Connections

Check to make sure that there are no illegal connections to the city’s sewer line. This includes sump pumps and French drains, as well as flood control systems. This can cause sewer line blockages due to the accumulation of debris.

 

FAQ

How to unclog a basement floor drain

First, turn off the main water supply. Next, clean out the drain. Next, pour hot water down your drain until you loosen the clog. Call a professional if the clog doesn’t move.

 

What can I do to unclog my main drain?

You can pour vinegar or baking soda down a blocked main drain. Baking soda, a natural product, can be used to clear any clogs. You can also pour boiling water down your drain. Boiling water can help to loosen blockages in the pipe. This method is not recommended for those who aren’t familiar with how to safely use plumbing tools.

 

How to unclog basement drains with standing water

Let it sit for a few minutes before pouring boiling water down the drain. Next, pour 1 cup vinegar over the baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes before flushing it with more boiling water.