Do you notice that there is a smell coming from your sink? Or is your drain not draining as it should be? Are drains backing up all over the house? If you are noticing any of these signs, you most likely have a sewer backup.

And this is a big problem.

It means you’ll risk water damage in your home, floods, sewage coming back into your home, damaging it, and exposing you and your family to harmful bacteria and germs. Therefore, it’s important to fix a sewer backup when it occurs.

But why does it happen? Knowing what causes sewer backups can help you prevent a hazardous situation while being proactive can risk the situation occurring in the first place.

Here is why sewer backups occur, how to prevent them and what to do if you have one.

Causes of Sewer Backups

Below are the main causes of sewer backups:

Clogs can occur when there is a build-up of waste in pipes, leading to a backup in the sewer line. This can include tree roots that have grown into sewer lines.
Heavy rainfall can also cause sewer lines to flood and go back up pipes.
Damaged or aged sewer lines can break down and crack, causing sewage backups and flooded households.
Blockages in city sanitary mains or inside the main plumbing system can result in backups.

How to Prevent Sewer Backups

You can prevent the outbreaks of sewer backups by following these tips:

Don’t pour cooking oil or grease down the drain.
If you have a clogged drain, it’s best to get professional drain cleaning services immediately than letting it continue to build up.
Don’t dispose of garbage or waste down the drain; make sure you correctly dispose of paper towels and waste in the trash.
Install a backwater prevention valve. This unique fixture allows sewage to leave your home through the drains, but if the water starts to flow backwards (a sign of a blockage), then the flap on the valve will activate and stop it.
Ensure you get frequent plumbing and sewage pump maintenance. Having a professional inspect your plumbing system and sewer lines means they can proactively stop any problems from occurring.

(What is a plumbing emergency? And does a sewer backup constitute one? Read our blog to find out!)

Call a Plumber Immediately

If you are experiencing a sewer backup, there is only one solution to your problem: calling an emergency plumber in Calgary.

Only a professional plumber with expertise and knowledge in sewer lines and plumbing systems can help you with this major problem. They will inspect your sewer line (through CCTV) to determine its condition and if you need repairs or replacement. If the damage is extensive, you might require renovations.

Before they arrive, there are some things you can do to mitigate the damage:

Evacuate and turn off the electrical power in the flooded area
Shut off the valve for the main water line of your home. If you are in an apartment building, speak to your landlord or property manager.
Don’t use the water supply system at all until the problem is fixed.
Stay away from the sewage water and if you wish to get closer to it, wear protection masks, eyeglasses, rubber boots and gloves before doing so
Open up doors and windows to allow ventilation through the house.
Contact your municipal authority or sewer department if your home is connected to a public sewer and if there is a problem.
Contact your insurance to confirm if you have coverage from sewer damage or not.

The quicker you act when you suspect a backup, the less damage there will be in your home. With sewer backups, don’t take the risk – take action as soon as possible!

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.