Protect Yourself Against Sewer Backups Sewer backups can cause severe property damage, health risks, and be extremely expensive. Sewer backups occur when a blockage exists in the sewer main or service line forcing sewage back into a structure. Grease and tree roots are the main causes of backups. Grease poured down drains can solidify and cause blockages when it cools or the weather outside gets cooler. Tree and shrub roots can infiltrate sewer pipes, diminishing flow capacity and trapping debris. Trees in the willow family, which includes cottonwoods, are more prone to grow into sewer lines as their roots seek moisture through pipe joints. Paper towels, plastic bags, diapers, washcloths, towels, and other bulky items that do not deteriorate quickly can also cause sewer backups. The Utility is responsible for clearing blockages in sewer mains. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining their service line (i.e., line running from the main to your home). Prevent sewer backups by disposing of grease in a container, allowing it to harden, and putting it in the garbage. Vegetable and meat scraps, butter, rice, salad dressing, and other food items can also cause clogs. Dispose of these items in the garbage or compost bin instead of the garbage disposal. Don’t flush socks, plastic bags, paper towels, or other bulky items down the toilet or drain. Teach and watch children to prevent them from flushing these items down the toilet. Know the location of your service line, and avoid planting deep rooting trees and shrubs nearby. Clear tree roots from pipes either by cutting or applying an herbicide every two years. If your neighborhood or house is prone to sewer backups, consider installing a 4” sewer backflow preventer (a.k.a. check valve) on your service line. This device will prevent backups originating from your neighbors or the main line, but will not prevent backups from your own service line. Signs of sewer backups include gurgling sounds coming from drains and pipes, strong sewage smells, sewage coming from drains, or flooding. If a sewer backup occurs, immediately call the Benton Utilities Dispatch at 501-776-5930 unless you are positive the problem is in your service line. In the meantime, do not run any water down the drain or flush the toilet. Avoid skin contact with the sewage, and certainly don’t stand or play in it. The crew will clear the blockage if it’s in the main line. If the problem is in the service line, you’ll have to call a plumber.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:28:23 +0000
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