Why does my basement drain keeps backing up?

What Causes a Sewage Backup? Clogs, buildups in pipes from grease, or improperly flushed items, such as paper towels or single-use wipes, are common causes of sewage backup. Damage to the sewer lines can also cause a sewage backup because it prevents water from flowing correctly.

Why does my basement drain keep backing up?

Because the basement floor drain is the lowest opening in the home’s drainage system, sewage and water coming up from the basement floor drain backup is a sign that your home has a main sewer line clog.

What does it mean when your basement is full of water?

It typically means the house drain under your basement floor is full of water. That can mean a rainstorm has surcharged the drain system, or even the public sewer system. If there hasn’t been a recent heavy rain, then there is probably a main line clog.

What should I use to open my basement drain?

Chemical products may work to open the drain, but running a snake through the line is generally necessary. In the case of roots of invading the basement drain line, a power snake with sharp cutting blades must be used to cut through the roots.

What should I do if my sewer line is backed up in my basement?

The simplest sewer trap back up to cure is when the trap itself is clogged. That is cured by opening the street side plug, then the house side plug. This is done to allow any sewer water backed up under the basement floor to escape over the trap itself. Then the belly of the trap (the bottom of the U shape of the trap) can be cleared out.

What causes sewer line to back up in basement?

So, with the main drain backing up, wastewater will continue to build up in the line until it overflows and backs up out of the floor drain. For homes that don’t have a basement floor drain, drain line clogs can cause backups in the lowest fixtures of the home, like ground-level tubs, sinks, or showers.

What do you need if your basement drain is backing up?

The best are automated solutions called “Backwater Valves”or “Backflow Preventers” A Backwater Valve automatically senses a reverse flow (water flowing the wrong direction and back into your home) in your main line and completely closes it off from the sewer system outside. This prevents your basement drain backing up.

What are the pros and cons of a basement drain?

Pro: Effectively transports groundwater away from the foundation so that it can’t seep into your basement. Con: Expensive if installed after the home is built. All soil around the home must be excavated to the depth of the footings (typically eight to nine feet below grade).