It’s late at night when you start to hear weird sounds from your basement. Well, you come downstairs and see dirty water coming out of your drainage system.
This sewer backup can cause terrible problems by ruining your walls, furniture and even spread germs. This problem happens often in homes in states like New Jersey, especially older houses with clay or cast-iron pipes.
In this guide, you’ll learn what causes sewer backups, what to do right away, and how to stop them from happening again.
What Is a Sewer Back Up?
A sewer backup is a severe situation, when the water comes back to your home instead of going out through the pipe. It first observes in your basement area because the basement is the lowest part of your home.
If you observe the stinking smell in your basement area, it means that damage has already been done. It’s best to call a licensed plumbing company in that case to handle this issue.
What Causes a Sewer to Back Up in the Basement
There are many reasons associated with sewer backup in your home. Homes have clay or metal pipes that have more chance of wear down over time.
Here are the most common causes associated with sewer backup:
- Main Line Clogs: Grease, wipes, and paper block the main pipe.
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots grow into small pipe cracks and stop flow.
- Broken or Sagging Pipes: Old pipes sink or crack under soil pressure.
- Heavy Rain or Flooding: Too much water fills city sewers and pushes waste back.
- Improper Connections: Gutters or sump pumps tied into sewer lines add extra water.
Signs That Your Sewer Line Is Backing Up (Sinks Are Backing Up)
The signs of complete sewer blockage start appearing before actual blockage. You may start observing that water is draining slowly or hear strange sounds from your toilet. In some cases, dirty water starts pouring out from the pipes.
These all symptoms clearly indicate that something is wrong with your drainage system. If you don’t take any timely action, it may result in flooding your basement and damaging your home.
Health & Safety Risks of a Sewer Back Up
Sewage water is very harmful for your family and pets. It carries germs that can even make you sick. The strong smell can cause headaches. If the dirty water touches your skin, it may cause rashes.
Standing water in the basement can also hide electric wires that can give a shock in many cases. Gas leaks can also occur which makes the situation more dangerous.
What to Do Immediately After a Sewer Back Up
When a sewer back up happens, it can be a very stressful moment. The water starts to spread fast and brings a strong smell.
The first thing you should do is keep your children and pets away from the area. If the floor is dry, turn off the power from the main switch. Avoid using sinks as they can make more dirty water come up.
Once you have done all of this, call a licensed plumber. Cleaning the sewer needs special tools and cleaning products.
How Professionals Clean Up a Sewer Backup
Professionals use specialized tools to clean up the sewer backup. They start by pumping out dirty water and throw away things that cannot be cleaned.
These expert technicians wash all surfaces to kill germs afterwards. Large fans and dryers run for days to stop mold from growing. Before finishing, they inspect your main line with a camera to find what caused the problem and fix it so it doesn’t happen again.
How to Prevent Future Sewer Backups
Maintaining your pipes is the only viable solution to prevent the future problems associated with sewer backup.
Here are some simple steps that you should employ to prevent these issues:
- Don’t flush grease or paper towels.
- Schedule yearly sewer inspections.
- Install a backwater valve.
- Trim tree roots growing near underground pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes most sewer backups?
It happens mostly due to broken sewer lines or tree roots, while heavy rain can also be a reason for it.
Can I clean it myself?
It’s risky, sewage carries germs that need special cleaning products & safety gear and equipment, or else it can cause major home damage and health issues.
Why do several drains back up at once?
All drains connect to one main line. If it clogs, water flows back through every drain.
How often should I check my sewer line?
Older homes should coordinate with expert plumbers after every year.
Contact Atlantic Mechanical Contractors of North Jersey for Sewer Backup Cleanup in North New Jersey
If your basement has dirty water, our experts can help you out. Our plumbing team is available 24/7 in North New Jersey areas like Clifton, Wayne and nearby areas. We quickly remove sewage and dry your home.
We also check your sewer lines to find and fix the main cause of the problem. Contact us today for quick emergency services!