Have you ever had a sewer backup in the basement? If so, you probably already know that the infiltration of wastewater in a house can cause significant property damage. To prevent you from being the victim of a sewer backflow, hiring a Backflow prevention in Randwick will help you in this regard.
Read below to know some useful information and practical advice about this process.
What is a sewer backflow?
When a pipe used to evacuate wastewater to the municipal sewer system is clogged or damaged, it no longer allows water to flow properly. Wastewater can then back up into your home, usually through the floor drain, causing damage to your basement (floors, walls, furniture, electrical system, etc.).
Main Causes Of Sewer Backups
Many factors can cause sewage to no longer flow freely through the pipes and back up into the home:
Aging or lack of maintenance of municipal sewer systems
A lateral sewer (the pipe between your house and the municipal sewer) that is damaged or deteriorated
A clogged side sewer (tree branches, grease, ice, etc.)
A clogged storm drain
Malfunctioning sump pump
A large amount of precipitation overloads the municipal storm sewer system
Actions to take to protect against sewer backups
1. Install a Check Valve
Installed on your basement sewer line, a backwater valve allows sewage to flow out, but not in. When this device is installed and maintained properly, it will automatically shut off when a backup occurs in the sewer drain. The backwater valve can therefore serve as the last line of defense in preventing sewer backups.
2. Pay Attention to the Products You Throw In Your Drains, Sinks, and Toilets
Many homeowners use their drains, sinks, and toilets as if they were garbage cans. However, several products that are frequently thrown into it can be responsible for causing pipe obstructions and ultimately sewer backflow. So avoid throwing greasy substances and oils into the sinks, as these can harden the pipes and clog them. Also get in the habit of flushing paper towels, wipes, diapers, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet, as they can also block drains.
3. Have Your Lateral Sewer Inspected and Cleaned
A lateral sewer that is cracked deteriorated or filled with tree roots can compromise the evacuation of sewage and cause a backup. Many homeowners are unaware that it is their responsibility to maintain the pipe between their home and the municipal sewer system. It is therefore important to have this pipe inspected by a camera periodically to know its condition.
4. Directing Rainfall Water Away From Your Home
If your downspouts and your foundation drain are connected to municipal sanitary sewers, you are exposed to backups during heavy rains. It's best to direct rainfall away from your home, toward the storm drain.
Also, if your house is built on land at a low altitude or is likely to be flooded during torrential rains or when the snow melts, it is recommended that you install a sump pump in your basement or crawl space. This will suck up the water coming from the ground and collect by your foundation drain before its level is too high and it seeps into your house.
Top Quality Plumbing protects you from sewer backups
Although certain weather events beyond your control can contribute to a sewer backflow in your home, these are more often the result of the addition of factors such as an inadequate configuration of your evacuation system.
If you want to protect yourself from sewer backflow, contact us. Our Commercial plumbing contractors near me in Randwick will help you from all aspects.
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