4 Ways to Prevent Sewer Backup

In Canberra, a sewer backup is more likely to occur when you already have an ageing sewer system or a combined pipeline that incorporates storm water and raw sewage together. Even tree roots can cause extensive damage as they grow bigger, making their way into your sewer line cracks and service pipe joints. Even blockages in your sewer lateral or the main can cause a sewer backup. Fortunately, there are several ways on how you will be able to prevent a sewer backup, such as those listed below.

1. Keep your Drain in Good Condition

One of the most viable ways to prevent a sewer backup is to keep your drain in its mint condition. This means that rather than pouring grease down your drain, you should dispose of it properly. Use a heat-resistant container that you can use to store grease and oil. After it is completely cool, you can simply throw it in the trash.

You should also properly dispose of paper products such as paper towels, disposable diapers, as well as feminine products, and hygienic wipes. These don’t deteriorate immediately, causing a significant clog in your pipe if not disposed of properly.

 You should also exert the extra effort to maintain your drain and have it inspected by reliable plumbers regularly. Nonetheless, the seasoned plumbers offering emergency plumbing Canberra locals rely on suggest that as soon as you deem that there is residue or debris causing a blockage in your drain, you should address the issue immediately. In this way, you are reducing the likelihood that you experience any plumbing emergencies such as a sewer backup.

2. Go for a Plastic Pipe

Consider replacing your line with plastic pipes that will prevent tree roots from entering them. This will reduce your chances of experiencing a sewer backup significantly. You should also consider correcting illegal plumbing connections such as French drains, sump pumps, and other flood control systems attached to your sanitary sewer. The debris and silt coming from these connections can only clog your line. To correct these plumbing connections, make sure to contact professional plumbers who will be able to deal with the problem for you.

3. Install a Backwater Valve

To prevent sewer backup, you can also install a backwater valve. This is a fixture placed in your sewer line or sometimes, in your drain line. These devices prevent sewer water from entering your home, causing significant damage. However, the particular backwater valve that you should use depends on your property. Rest assured that a seasoned and certified plumber will be able to identify this for you.

4. Trim Tree Roots

Since the growing roots of trees can also cause sewer backup, one way for you to prevent it from occurring is by trimming tree roots. You can do this by yourself or engage the services of a professional if necessary to ensure that this is done regularly.

What to do in the event of a sewer backup

When you experience a sewer backup, make sure to contact reliable plumbers for immediate assistance. You should also get in touch with professional cleaners who will be able to properly clean your property, including wet-vacuuming to remove the spillage, as well as mop your floors and apply disinfectant.

You will be able to prevent a sewer backup by keeping your drain in good condition at all times. Alongside this, consider replacing your pipes with plastic ones or installing a backwater valve. You should also periodically trim tree roots. All these are geared towards ensuring that you don’t experience a plumbing emergency such as a sewer backup that is not only inconvenient but can cause health hazards too.