Nobody wants to deal with a sewer backup in the basement. It’s messy, smelly, and downright frustrating. Say you’re heading downstairs to grab something from storage, and bam—that unmistakable smell.
Yep, you’ve got a sewer backup in the basement. It’s every homeowner’s nightmare, but don’t worry. We’ve been there, done that, and are here to walk you through it.
What To Do When You Have a Sewer Backup in Basement
First off, let’s talk safety. That backed-up water isn’t your average puddle. It’s a cocktail of bacteria, viruses, and who knows what else. So before you do anything, gear up. We’re talking rubber boots, gloves, and even a face mask if you’ve got one. Think of it as your plumbing battle armor.
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty:
- Kill the power: Water and electricity are a recipe for disaster. If there’s standing water or even dampness near outlets or appliances, shut off the power to your basement pronto. Better safe than sorry, folks.
- Water embargo: I know it’s a pain, but you’ve got to stop using water in your house. That means no flushing toilets, no showers, no running the dishwasher – zilch. Every drop of water you use is just adding to the problem downstairs.
- Air it out: Crack those windows and get some airflow going. It’ll help with the smell (trust us, you’ll want all the help you can get) and start the drying process. If you’ve got fans, point them towards the windows to push that stinky air out.
- Document everything: Before you start cleaning up, grab your phone and take some pictures. Heck, shoot a video if you can. Your insurance company might need proof of the damage, and it’s better to have too much evidence than not enough.
- Call in the cavalry: Look, we all love a good DIY project, but a sewer backup isn’t the time to channel your inner handyman. You need pros with specialized equipment to really tackle this mess. Plus, they can figure out what caused the backup in the first place.
Main Causes of a Basement Sewer Backup
Speaking of causes, let’s break down the usual suspects:
- Tree roots: Those beautiful shade trees in your yard? Their roots can be a real pain underground, growing right into your pipes and causing blockages.
- Clogs: All those “flushable” wipes, cooking grease, and other no-no’s that find their way down your drains can build up over time and cause a major clog.
- Aging pipes: If your home’s been around the block a few times, your pipes might be showing their age. Corrosion, cracks, and collapses can all lead to backups.
- Heavy rainfall: Sometimes Mother Nature just throws too much at your sewer system at once, especially if you’ve got combination storm/sanitary sewers.
- Municipal sewer issues: Sometimes the problem isn’t even on your property. Issues with the main sewer line can cause backups in multiple homes.
How To Clean Up After a Sewer Backup in Your Basement
Now, let’s talk cleanup. Once the pros have cleared the blockage, you’ve got some work ahead of you. Anything that came in contact with the sewage has got to go – carpet, drywall, furniture, the works. It’s harsh, but it’s the only way to ensure your home is safe and sanitary.
For the stuff you can save, you’ll need to disinfect like your life depends on it (because, well, it kind of does). A mixture of hot water and disinfectant is your best friend here. And don’t forget to wash any clothes you wore during cleanup separately from your regular laundry.
How To Prevent a Basement Sewer Backup
Here’s a pro tip to save you some heartache down the road: invest in a backwater valve. It’s like a one-way door for your sewer line, letting water flow out but not back in. It’s not cheap, but neither is replacing everything in your basement every time it rains hard.
And while we’re talking prevention, here are a few more tips to keep that sewage where it belongs:
- Be mindful of what you flush. “Flushable” wipes often aren’t, and neither is dental floss, cotton swabs, or cooking grease.
- Get your sewer line inspected regularly, especially if you’ve got old pipes or big trees in your yard.
- Consider having your line cleaned every few years to prevent buildup.
- If you live in an area prone to heavy rains, think about installing a sump pump as an extra line of defense.
Remember, when you’re dealing with a sewer backup in your basement, time is of the essence. The longer that water sits, the more damage it can do, and the harder (and pricier) it’ll be to fix. So don’t hesitate to call in the experts.
Need help with a sewer emergency? Litteken Plumbing is just a phone call away at (618) 224-2249, or you can contact us here. We’ve seen it all, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get your basement back to normal. Don’t let a backup get you down – we’ve got your back.