Sewage Backing Up Into Basement

Sewage Backing Up Into Basement: Causes & Solutions

A sewage backup in your basement is a major plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. It can cause extensive damage to your home and pose a serious health hazard. Here we will discuss the causes of sewage backups and provide some solutions to help prevent them.

Common Causes of Sewage Backups

There are several factors that can contribute to sewage backing up into your basement. Some of the most common causes include:

Clogged Drain Lines: Grease, hair, and other debris can accumulate in drain lines, causing blockages that prevent sewage from flowing properly.
Tree Roots: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines, causing cracks or breaks that allow sewage to leak out.
Damaged or Collapsed Sewer Lines: Shifting soil, construction work, or earthquakes can damage or collapse sewer lines.
Overwhelmed Sewer System: During heavy rainfall, the sewer system may become overwhelmed, causing sewage to back up into homes.
Broken Sump Pump: A sump pump is responsible for removing excess water from basements. If it fails, water can back up into the basement and mix with sewage.

Health Hazards

Sewage backups pose a serious health hazard. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause various illnesses. These include:

Gastrointestinal infections, such as E. coli and salmonella
Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis
Skin infections, such as rashes and boils
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis

Prevention and Solutions

There are several steps you can take to prevent sewage backups in your basement:

Regular Drain Cleaning: Have your drain lines professionally cleaned regularly to remove grease, hair, and other debris.
Trim Tree Roots: Regularly trim tree roots around your sewer line to prevent them from causing damage.
Inspect and Repair Sewer Lines: Have your sewer lines inspected periodically by a plumber to identify and repair any cracks or damage.
Install a Sump Pump: Install a sump pump and ensure it is properly working to remove excess water from your basement.
Upgrade Sewer System: In areas where the sewer system is frequently overwhelmed, consider upgrading the system to increase capacity.

If you experience a sewage backup in your basement, it is crucial to contact a licensed plumber immediately. Do not attempt to clean up the sewage yourself, as it poses a significant health risk. The plumber will identify the source of the backup and provide a solution to prevent future occurrences.