Is your basement flooding with sewage? Yikes! Here’s a quick overview from the experts on why it might be happening.
Basement flooding is a major concern for homeowners, especially when it involves sewage. Not only is it unpleasant and unsanitary, but it can also be a serious health hazard. Here are some possible reasons.
Blockages in the sewer line
Blockages in the sewer line can cause sewage to back up into your home. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as tree roots, grease buildup, or foreign objects that have been flushed down the toilet.
Malfunctioning backwater valve
A backwater valve is a device that prevents sewage from flowing back into your home. If it’s not working properly, it can allow sewage to enter your basement.
Aging sewer lines
Over time, sewer lines can become damaged or corroded, which can lead to leaks and backups. This is especially true if your home is older, and the sewer lines have not been replaced.
Heavy rainfall or melting snow
If you’re on a combined sewer system, heavy rainfall or melting snow can overwhelm it, causing it to back up into your home. This is especially true if your home is in a low-lying area or if the sewer system in your area is outdated.
Combined sewer overflow
Another potential cause of basement flooding with sewage is a combined sewer overflow. In some older cities, the sewer systems are designed as combined sewers, meaning they carry both sanitary sewage and stormwater in the same pipes. During periods of heavy rainfall or when there is rapid snowmelt, the volume of water in the sewer system can exceed its capacity. As a result, the excess water, including sewage, may overflow and back up into basements or even flood streets.
Next steps
If you’re experiencing a sewage backup in your basement, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Not only is it unpleasant and unsanitary, but it can also be a serious health hazard. The first step is to contact a professional plumbing company that specializes in basement flooding issues. They can assess the situation and determine the best course of action to address the problem.
In some cases, a simple repair may be all that’s needed. In more serious cases, however, you may need to invest in a complete sewer line replacement or other upgrades to your plumbing system. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to act before the problem gets worse.
Contact us to address any issues with your wet or flooded basement and protect your home from basement flooding. Plumbing Dunn Right is a fully licensed and insured plumbing company in the Oakville and surrounding areas and we are an approved contractor for Halton Region’s Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program.