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Sewer Backups & Blockages

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A backed-up sewer can do a real number on your home. Spring and summer downpours can overwhelm your home’s sewer system and sump pump. The next thing you know, you’re looking at raw sewage pooling around in your drains, toilets, tubs and basement. Common causes of sewer backups include tree roots clogging sewer lines, clogged drains and damaged sewer lines. Before your floors, walls, furniture and carpeting become severely damaged, contact us for immediate assistance.

Immediate Emergency Response Actions

  • Stop using all water in the home immediately
  • Turn off electricity to affected areas for safety
  • Evacuate people and pets from contaminated areas
  • Document damage with photos for insurance claims
  • Contact professional cleanup services within 24-48 hours
  • Avoid contact with contaminated water and surfaces
  • Open windows for ventilation if weather permits
  • Call your insurance company to report the incident

Types of Sewer Backups and Severity Levels

  • Minor drain blockages affecting single fixtures
  • Multiple fixture backups indicating main line problems
  • Complete sewer system failures with widespread flooding
  • Storm-related municipal sewer overflows
  • Septic system backups vs. municipal sewer issues
  • Grease-related commercial kitchen backups
  • Root intrusion causing gradual vs. sudden blockages
  • Pipe collapse or structural damage emergencies

Common Causes and Prevention Strategies

  • Tree root intrusion identification and prevention
  • Grease and fat buildup in kitchen drain lines
  • Flushing inappropriate items (wipes, hygiene products)
  • Aging cast iron or clay pipe deterioration
  • Ground settling and pipe joint separation
  • Heavy rainfall overwhelming municipal systems
  • Construction debris and foreign object blockages
  • Pipe bellies and improper slope installation issues

Professional Diagnosis and Assessment

  • Video camera inspection to locate exact blockage points
  • Hydro-jetting to clear lines and assess pipe condition
  • Smoke testing to identify damaged pipe sections
  • Flow testing to determine system capacity
  • Root intrusion assessment and removal planning
  • Structural evaluation of damaged pipe segments
  • Municipal system connection inspection
  • Backflow preventer testing and evaluation

Emergency Cleanup and Restoration Services

  • Immediate water extraction and waste removal
  • Contaminated material removal and disposal
  • Antimicrobial treatment and sanitization
  • Structural drying and dehumidification
  • Air quality testing and odor elimination
  • Insurance documentation and claim assistance
  • Coordination with restoration contractors
  • Health department notification when required

Municipal vs. Private Sewer Line Responsibility

  • Property line determination for repair responsibility
  • Municipal main line vs. private lateral identification
  • When the city is responsible for backup damage
  • Permit requirements for private sewer line repairs
  • Working with municipal authorities during emergencies
  • Understanding utility easements and access rights
  • Coordination between private and public repairs
  • Legal considerations for property damage claims

Preventive Maintenance Programs

  • Annual video inspection and cleaning schedules
  • Root treatment programs for properties with large trees
  • Grease trap maintenance for commercial properties
  • Regular drain cleaning and maintenance
  • Backflow preventer testing and certification
  • Seasonal preparation for heavy rain periods
  • Early warning system installation and monitoring
  • Property-specific maintenance recommendations

Commercial Property Specialized Services

  • Restaurant grease line emergency cleaning
  • Multi-unit residential building main line service
  • Retail and office building backup response
  • Industrial facility specialized waste management
  • Hospital and healthcare facility emergency protocols
  • School and institutional building rapid response
  • Property management emergency service coordination
  • Business interruption minimization strategies

Advanced Technology Solutions

  • CCTV camera inspection with GPS location mapping
  • Sonar pipe profiling for accurate condition assessment
  • Pipe lining and trenchless repair technologies
  • Smart monitoring systems for early problem detection
  • Robotic cutting and cleaning equipment
  • 3D pipe mapping and condition documentation
  • Remote monitoring and alert systems
  • Digital documentation and customer portals

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SEWER BACKUP FAQS

We are answering some of your most common questions below.
For more information on any of your septic & drain problems, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Preventing sewer backups involves mindful practices such as avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items, disposing of grease properly, and regularly maintaining your plumbing system. Installing backflow prevention devices and scheduling routine inspections can further safeguard against potential backups.

Sewer backups can result from various factors, including tree root intrusion, pipe blockages due to grease or debris, and aging sewer lines. Heavy rainfall or flooding can also overwhelm the system, leading to backups. Proper maintenance, timely repairs, and avoiding improper disposal habits help mitigate these causes.

Homeowners insurance coverage for sewer backup varies. Standard policies may not include it, but many insurers offer optional endorsements or riders specifically for sewer backup coverage. It's advisable to review your policy, consider adding this coverage if needed, and understand the extent of protection provided in case of a sewer backup incident.

Stop using all water in your home immediately, turn off electricity to affected areas, evacuate people and pets from contaminated zones, and call for professional help right away. Take photos for insurance documentation but avoid contact with sewage water. Don't attempt to clean it yourself - raw sewage contains dangerous bacteria and viruses that require professional-grade equipment and disinfection. Time is critical to prevent extensive property damage and health risks.

We provide true 24/7 emergency response with typical arrival times of 1-2 hours for urgent backups. Our dispatch system prioritizes calls based on severity - active flooding and health hazards receive immediate priority response. We'll provide an estimated arrival time when you call and can track our service truck via GPS to keep you updated. Our emergency crews are equipped with specialized equipment to begin immediate water extraction and damage mitigation.

A regular drain clog typically affects one fixture (like a kitchen sink or bathroom drain) and can often be resolved with basic tools or drain cleaners. A sewer backup affects multiple fixtures simultaneously, especially lower-level drains, and involves sewage coming up through floor drains, toilets, or tubs. Sewer backups are emergencies requiring immediate professional intervention due to health hazards and potential property damage, while simple clogs are usually minor inconveniences that can wait for regular business hours.

Install a backflow prevention device, schedule annual video inspections and cleaning, avoid flushing inappropriate items, properly dispose of grease and fats, maintain trees and landscaping away from sewer lines, and consider root treatment if you have large trees. For properties in flood-prone areas, consider additional protection like sump pumps or elevated fixtures. Regular maintenance is much more cost-effective than emergency repairs and property restoration.