There’s something unsettling about seeing water and waste resurface from your drains. Our plumbing systems are designed to carry everything down and away, so when things start coming back up, it’s a clear sign that something has gone wrong. If sewage is backing up in your home, it’s a serious issue that needs prompt attention to avoid health risks and property damage.
Let’s discuss what causes a sewer backup, how to recognize the warning signs, and, most importantly, how to prevent sewage backups from disrupting your home and peace of mind.
What Causes a Sewer Backup?
Understanding the common causes of sewer backups can help you take proactive measures to avoid them. Here are some key reasons these messy situations occur:
Clogged Pipes
Everyday habits like flushing non-flushable items or letting grease go down the drain can lead to clogged pipes. Items like wet wipes, paper towels, coffee grounds, and grease harden and create blockages over time, preventing your sewer line from properly draining.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are a common cause of sewer backups. They grow underground in search of moisture and can invade your sewer pipes through small cracks or joints. As roots expand, they block the flow of wastewater and can eventually collapse the pipes.
Damaged or Aging Sewer Pipes
Old sewer lines made of clay pipes, cast iron, or other outdated materials can crack, corrode, or collapse over time. Even newer plastic piping isn’t immune to issues like shifting soil or construction damage, which can compromise the integrity of the system.
Heavy Rainfall and Municipal Sewer Problems
Excess water from heavy rainfall or flooding can also be what causes a sewer backup. This water can overwhelm the municipal sewer system, causing sewage to back up into homes. Public sewer systems are designed to handle normal flows, but extreme weather or pumping station failures can push dirty water back through your drains.
Improper Use of Your Plumbing System
Using your kitchen sink or toilet as a trash can is a quick way to invite sewer problems. Items like toilet paper in excessive amounts, human waste beyond normal quantities, or food scraps dumped into the sink can strain your sewer system. Over time, these habits contribute to slow drains and blockages.
Warning Signs of an Impending Backup
Before sewer backups happen, you might notice some subtle (and not-so-subtle) warning signs. Keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Slow Drains: If your sinks or tubs are draining more slowly than usual, it could be a sign of clogged pipes or blockages in the sewer line.
- Multiple Drains Backing Up: If you’re dealing with more than one slow or blocked drain at the same time, it’s likely an issue with the main sewer line.
- Gurgling Noises: Strange sounds from your drains or toilets often indicate trapped air from a blockage.
- Air Bubbles: Bubbles in your toilet bowl after flushing can signal a problem with the home’s main sewer line.
- Basement Flooding: Dirty water pooling around floor drains in your basement is often a sign of a sewage backup.
How to Prevent Sewage Backups
Luckily, there are effective ways to reduce the chances of a messy backup in your home. Here’s how to prevent sewage backups and keep your plumbing running without any difficulties:
Avoid Flushing Problem Items
Teach everyone in your household not to flush wet wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Even items labeled as “flushable” can clog sewer pipes.
Dispose of Grease Properly
Instead of pouring grease or oils down the drain, collect them in a container and throw them in the trash. This simple step can prevent blockages in your kitchen sink and sewage pipes.
Install a Backwater Valve
A backwater valve is a device that prevents raw sewage from re-entering your home during a sewage backup. Have a professional plumber install this for added protection.
Schedule Routine Drain Inspections
Regular drain inspections can identify small issues before they become big problems. A trusted local plumber can help you spot damage, remove blockages, and keep your sewer system in good condition.
Replace Old Sewer Lines
If you live in an older home with clay pipes or cast iron pipes, consider upgrading to more durable materials like PVC piping. Over time, older materials can crack, corrode, and eventually collapse.
Watch for Tree Roots
If you have trees growing near your sewer line, monitor their growth and root systems. If needed, consult a plumber for preventative measures, like using chemical root killers or replacing vulnerable pipes.
Stay Vigilant During Heavy Rainfall
During storms, avoid using excess water by reducing laundry loads or delaying dishwashing. This helps prevent additional stress on the municipal sewer system and lowers the risk of a backup.
What to Do if Sewage Is Backing Up
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, sewer backups can happen. If sewage is backing up in your home, here’s what to do:
- Stop Using Water: Shut off water usage in your home to prevent more waste from entering the pipes.
- Open Windows: Ventilate the area to minimize odors and reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria.
- Call a Professional Plumber: Don’t try to fix a sewage backup yourself. Contact an experienced plumber immediately for help. At Priority Plumbing & Drains, our emergency plumbers in Toronto are available to handle these situations quickly and efficiently.
Contact Priority Plumbing for Your Sewer Needs!
A sewer backup is a messy, stressful experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Priority Plumbing & Drains, we specialize in providing reliable solutions to get your home back to normal.
If you’ve noticed warning signs like slow drains, hear gurgling noises, or see that sewage is backing up in your drains, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Now that you know what causes a sewer backup and how to address it, contact us today to schedule an appointment in Toronto, ON, or one of the nearby areas! We’re here to help protect your home and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.
