As a homeowner, preventing at-home emergencies is in your best interest, and problems with the sewer line can be a worst-case scenario for some. Not only are these types of repairs pricey, but a broken pipe could also cause water damage, and repairs could mean tearing up your yard. So, protect your house with these tips on how to prevent a sewer backup at home.
Understand the Common Causes
The easiest way to prevent this situation is by noting the common causes, so you know what to avoid doing. While some reasons like tree growth are hard to avoid—the roots could impact the sewer line—you can take other preventive measures. For example:
- Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain: It may solidify within the pipe, leading to clogs.
- Only flush toilet paper: Flushing diapers, hygienic products, and similar items could create clogs.
- Replace pipes made of dated material: Most pipes are now PVC since it’s durable.
Since blockages aren’t the only cause of sewer backups, it’s good to know the age of your pipes so you can replace them before they show their age. After all, an old system is more likely to have issues or breakdowns.
Pro Tip
While most newer houses have PVC pipes, this isn’t the case with every home on the market. By familiarizing yourself with the common types of pipe material, you can better understand your home plumbing system and when you need to repair it.
Know the Signs of Backup
Knowing how to prevent a sewer backup at home is one thing, but determining whether you have one is another. While you may follow all the recommendations as you maintain your pipelines, natural factors could still cause a break. But noting how to detect a plumbing problem can prevent a break from being an emergency.
If your water bill seems higher than usual, you’ve noticed a foul odor from your drains or in your basement, or have experienced other similar signs, then it’s time to call an expert.
Dealing With a Backup
You may already be dealing with a sewer backup in a worst-case scenario but need tips to prevent a repeat event. If you experience this, clean the area as soon as possible and remove any valuable items from the area to prevent further damage.
It would be best if you used a steam cleaner on any carpet and fully disinfect flooring and walls as you clean. Depending on the severity of the backup, you may have to hire a cleanup crew to keep your home clean. By following this advice, you can protect one of your biggest investments—your home.
