How to handle wastewater backing up into your basement

Having to deal with wastewater getting back up your basement shower or toilet is not a very fun experience. Usually, it is an alert for the plumbing system being clogged and a cause of undesirable mess. Therefore, it is essential to know the causes of wastewater back-ups and more importantly how to fix them once they occur, making for a cleaner home and a better plumbing system.

Understanding Wastewater: Definition, Sources, and Importance

Wastewater is the water that exits someone’s domicile through their plumbing system; be it from sinks, showers, toilets, or appliances like washing machines, it is all wastewater. This sanitary water goes through sewer pipes and into a municipal sewer system or a septic tank. When this process is interrupted, wastewater can flow back into lower-level fixtures, like basement showers or toilets, creating unpleasant and potentially hazardous conditions.

Common causes of wastewater backups

There are several potential causes for wastewater backup. Here are a few common ones:

• 1. Clogged sewer lines

  A clogged sewer line is the number one cause for wastewater backups. Hair, crumbles of food, oils, or any non-flushable items can pile up, and after a long duration can cause clogging.

• 2. Tree root intrusion

  Usually, In older houses, tree roots can protrude through clay or cast-iron pipes. Wastewater flows improperly through clogged and damaged pipes by tree intrusion

• 3. Heavy rain or flooding

  Heavy rainfall causes municipal sewer systems to become overloaded, causing wastewater recession back to your home. In areas that utilize stormwater and sewage, this is the most likely cause of wastewater backing up.

• 4. Damaged or collapsed pipes

  Wastewater flow is restricted when flowing through aging or damaged pipes. Corroded and cracked pipes hinder water from draining properly, causing recessions in lower-level platforms.

• 5. Faulty backwater valve

  The backwater valve is a tool used to prevent wastewater from receding back to the home plumbing system during a sewer system overload. If that tool is damaged, stuck, or does not exist at all, it may fail to protect your basement.

• 6. Improperly installed plumbing

  Wastewater can back up to the house if the plumbing system is not installed correctly; wastewater can then back up due to poor drainage or improper pipe angles.

Effective Solutions to Prevent and Fix Wastewater Backups

Timely response and swift action are crucial when dealing with wastewater issues. Here are some of the most effective steps to take when this happens:

• 1. Clear clogged drains
  Using a plunger or a drain snake can come in handy for removing minor clogs and blockages. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes over time.
• 2. Schedule a professional drain cleaning
  Professional plumbing services are recommended for big blockages and clogs. For removing grease, tree roots, and debris, hydro-jetting is used by professional plumbers. Hydro-jetting used by professionals is the best way to go about removing grease. It also can be used to restore sewer pipes.
• 3. Inspect for tree roots
  A professional plumber can utilize specialized equipment to inspect for tree protrusion causing the wastewater backup and then solve it by using hydro-jetting. Pipe replacement might be necessary in severe cases.
• 4. Install or maintain a backwater valve
  A backwater valve can come in handy to make sure the wastewater does not back up into the system. Always make sure to have a backwater valve in the plumbing system. Checkups, maintenance and regular inspection, can go a long way in ensuring that the valve is functioning and can help during heavy rain or overloads.
• 5. Repair or renew damaged pipes
  Professional plumbing is required in the case of cracked, corroded, or destroyed pipes. Repairing pipes can minimize the level of disruption done to the house plumbing system.
• 6. Preventive measures
  
  • It is not recommended to flush non-biodegradable items, oily substances, or food crumbles down drains.
  • Routine Plumbing inspections

For expert help, check out our Drain and Sewer Back-Up Services to address backups effectively and prevent future occurrences.

How to Prevent Future Wastewater Backups

Here are some of the best ways to prevent future wastewater backups:

1. Regular maintenance

Routine maintenance and regular checkups to make sure the plumbing is correct.

2. Install a sump pump and backwater valve

Tools like these make it tougher for water to recede back into the system.

3. Monitor landscaping

Taking care of plants and trees near the plumbing network can go a long way in avoiding clogging and blockages.

4. Upgrade aging pipes

Replacing the old corroded or damaged pipes allows water to flow easily and prevent backups.

Why 5 Star Drain is the Best Choice for Your Drain Needs

Addressing wastewater backup is our specialty at 5 Star Plumbing. Not only that, but we also provide long-term fixes for your plumbing problems. At 5 Star Plumbing, there is always a solution for your plumbing issues. By using advanced technological methods, our experienced staff always have a solution.

Whatever the problem is, be it a clogged sewer, broken pipe, protruding root, we have the expertise to restore your plumbing system and keep your home safe. Contact us today to schedule your service or learn more about our Drain and Sewer Back-Up Services.

Wastewater backing up into the basement shower or toilet is a big issue because of the hazards and frustration it raises. You can protect your home and make sure your plumbing system is functioning properly by knowing the causes and applying the solutions. That is what we are there for, wastewater backups or preventive maintenance, trust the experts at 5 Star Plumbing. Let us help you keep your home clean, safe, and trouble-free!