How To Prevent Sewage From Flooding Your Home – CBS Chicago

From Paige Tortorelli

It can start innocently – your sink drains a little slower than usual, or you notice a strange smell in your bathtub. These seemingly harmless problems can be warning signs for sewage protection.

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People generally wait until a major problem occurs before taking action, says Dr. Sara Heger, researcher and instructor in the on-site wastewater treatment program for the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center.

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Many communities only monitor major sewer issues, which means homeowners are responsible for the plumbing that runs from their homes to the street.

Of course, municipal sewers can also clog, and if the blockage is not detected, the homeowner’s pipes can be secured.

If you suspect this may have happened, you should call your city’s water purification service immediately.

You should also check the routing of your sewer lines for any pre-existing problems.

Take proactive steps:

Raw sewage in your basement means extensive damage, unsanitary conditions and an expensive mess. To avoid these issues, homeowners should take proactive steps.

The first action you should take? A sewer inspection.

This precaution costs an average of $ 500, and Heger advises households over the age of 20 to undergo an inspection as they are more prone to wastewater flooding.

WHAT AN INSPECTION INVOLVES:

During an inspection, a restoration company examines your sewer lines with a camera going through the pipes to look for any blockages.

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Trees and roots often clog the lines and should be professionally removed to prevent the problem from recurring.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PIPES:

Inspections also show you the material of your pipes – and not all are created equal.

Older clay pipes can crack, allowing tree roots and other debris to enter sewers and clog them. Clay pipes generally require regular maintenance and may need to be replaced if problems persist.

Homeowners who get flooded frequently may want to budget and replace their pipes since cleaning is “just a patch” on old pipes, says Heger.

Newer homes typically have PVC sewer lines, a more durable plastic-like material that is less fragile and less expensive. Even if your house has PVC pipes, it can still be beneficial to clean and inspect them preventively every five years, says Heger.

NOTE INSURANCE:

For homeowners with finished basements or older plumbing, it may be worth taking out insurance because it won’t drastically affect their annual costs, says Heger.

MAINTAIN YOUR SEWER PIPES:

There are also simple steps any homeowner can take to maintain their pipes.

Pouring greasy substances like oils down the drain or flushing anything other than toilet paper can cause serious clogging.

If you suspect anything unusual about your pipes, contact a restoration company before the problem escalates.

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“Sewage is a big problem,” and understanding your home’s sewer lines before a problem occurs is critical, says Heger.

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