4 Ways to Safeguard your Basement from Sewage

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Four Ways To Prevent Sewage from Backing Up Into Your Basement

Any time there is a heavy storm in Maple Grove, MN you know that the basement of your home is in danger of flooding. Some of this excess water has the potential to come from sewer backup, and that can lead to an extensive remediation process. Here are four ways to prevent sewage from backing up into your basement during a storm.

1. Clear Pipes

One way to keep sewage from coming up through your pipes when it rains is to make sure excess sewage doesn't get caught in there to begin with. If you notice water draining slowly, use a drain snake to clear the pipes. This can help you prevent the need for sewer cleaning.

2. Monitor Roots

The roots of trees near your home can cause problems with your sewer system. If the roots grow into the pipes or knock them loose, storm damage from the sewer is almost inevitable during a heavy rain. Have your system inspected at least once a year, preferably before the rainy season starts, and fix any problems you find.

3. Install Valve

A backflow prevention valve can can keep sewer backup out of your home. It is installed at the exit point from your basement into the sewer line. This valve keeps sewage flowing only one way - out of your home and into the sewer where it belongs.

4. Plug Drain

If you have one-way drain plugs installed in each drain, you can prevent backflow into your home even if it comes up through your pipes. It works similarly to the valve; it keeps water draining in one direction. Even if you have other measures in place, it's good to have drain plugs just in case sewage gets past the other barriers.
If you do get a sewer backup during a storm, you will probably need to call storm damage mitigation specialists to disinfect every place it affects. The best protection is prevention.