A sewer backup is the unwanted release of wastewater into a building’s basement. A typical cause in new construction or during plumbing upgrades can be caused by many factors including clogged drains and inefficient ventilation systems. Find out more below.
Identifying A Sewage Backup
Is your basement drain clogging up when you’re doing laundry? Have you observed that when you flush the toilet or it rains, your basement floor drain backs up?
If that’s the case, you might be dealing with a sewage backup. The key to obtaining the appropriate repairs—and minimizing more damage—is identifying the fundamental problem.
Consequences Of A Sewage Backup
Sewage backups can be minimal or major in terms of consequences. The sewage may only overflow into your home through a toilet or drain, in which case you can clean it up yourself. However, sewage backups can also cause extensive damage to your home and lead to mold growth.
If sewage overflows into your home through a toilet or drain, you can clean it up yourself if the amount is minimal. However, you have to be careful of contact with toxic fluids.
The “sewage backup in the basement” is a common problem that can cause a number of health risks. The main issue is that it creates an environment where bacteria and other contaminates can thrive.
3 Causes Of Basement Sewage Backups
Here are the top three causes of sewage backup in your basement to help you tackle the problem. It’s time to call a trustworthy professional plumber to diagnose and fix a problem.
- Clogs in the main sewage line: A clog in the main sewer line may impede or halt the flow of wastewater from your house to the city sewer line. Backups in basement drains are often one of the first indicators of this plumbing issue.
- Damaged sewer lines: Sewer lines that are cracked, fractured, collapsed, or damaged by tree root intrusion can impede the flow of wastewater and create basement drain backups. When dealing with this sort of problem, a basement backup is often one of the first warning signals, followed by additional plumbing issues (such as blockages in several fixtures or bathtub backups).
- Sewage backups in a basement drain may or may not signal a problem with your plumbing fixtures or sewer line due to heavy rainfall, floods, or storms. Instead, they may happen when the municipal sewage system is flooded after a major rainstorm. Basement sewage backups occur when precipitation overwhelms the system to the point that it can no longer handle it.
8 Tips For Cleaning A Sewage Backup In The Basement
Sewage backups in your basement are not only unsightly, but they may also be dangerous to your health. When it comes time to clear up these backups, it’s critical to take the following precautions:
- Your place has been properly cleaned and sanitized.
- There are no hazardous parasites, germs, or other things present.
Here are some pointers on how to clear sewage backups in your basement (or anyplace else in your house):
- Do not let backups or foul-smelling standing water to fester: clean it up as soon as you detect it to avoid further dangers and damage.
- Wear boots, trousers, and long sleeves—or waders—to protect yourself. If you have any open wounds, wrap them with a waterproof bandage completely and tightly. Eye protection, gloves, and a ventilator are also required.
- Using shovels and buckets, collect solid waste: Put your solid waste, as well as any soaked towels or sheets, in a strong trash bag (like contractor garbage bags). You could even want to hire a dumpster to dispose of all of the trash you’ll generate throughout this cleaning.
- Remove puddles using a shop vacuum: Wet/dry vacuums may also be used to clear up bigger puddles.
- To soak up the wastewater, use old or discarded towels or sheets: Consider picking up some inexpensive towels or sheets from a thrift shop if you don’t have any spare towels or sheets at home that you can throw after the cleaning.
- To eliminate any leftover moisture, use fans and dehumidifiers. This will assist in thoroughly drying the space and avoiding mold formation.
- Carpet, wood furniture, particleboard, and textiles are examples of unsalvageable products. These objects will all absorb sewage.
- Disinfect everything after the basement has been cleansed of sewage and is dry. Start with a warm water and soap solution, then wipe everything clean with a water and bleach solution. It might be beneficial to work in portions.
How To Diagnose & Repair The Causes Of A Basement Sewage Backup
Contacting a skilled plumber is the single best approach to identify and treat the issues that are generating a backup in your basement drain.
They can use cutting-edge technology, such as sewage line inspection cameras, as well as knowledge to:
- Figure out what’s causing the backup.
- Determine which options are the greatest match for your needs.
- Repair the issue quickly to restore your plumbing system and reduce the risk of future backups.
The “basement floor drain backing up with poop” is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors. The most common cause is the sewer line being connected to the basement floor drain.
You should also contact your local wastewater agency to help find solutions if you experience a sewage backup as soon as possible.
You can learn more on this topic in Why Does My Sewer Line Keep Backing Up?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you stop sewer backup in the basement?
A: In order to avoid the risk of your basement flooding, you should take precautions that prevent water from entering and accumulating in your home. This can be done through things like an outlet valve or a shut-off valve at the main source of flow, as well as by making sure there are no leaks anywhere else around the house.
What would cause a basement drain to back up?
A: The first thing that could cause this issue is a clog in the drain, which can be easily fixed by using a plunger. If you suspect your drains are blocked but it’s not clear how or why then you may have an outside force affecting them like high water from heavy rain and snowmelt.
How do you fix sewage back up?
A: You should call a plumber to help you out.
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