Electric Insurance Company reports that over 500,000 sewer backups occur in the U.S. every year, affecting homes nationwide.
Most of these backups cause damage that requires costly repairs. Homeowners are often forced to hire sewage cleaning services to fix the mess. These services clear blocked pipes, remove waste, and clean the area to keep it safe.
A sewage backup in your house is a preventable problem. You can prevent repairs and unpleasant odors with simple steps.
So, what can you do as a homeowner in Syracuse, NY, to prevent sewage backup in your home? Read on as this blog shares practical tips to help you stay ahead.
Regularly Clean Sewer Lines
Sewer lines carry waste from every drain in your home, but grime and debris often build up over time. Waste flow slows down as the buildup grows, and serious problems can follow.
When water and waste can’t move through the pipes, it leads to:
- Pressure inside the line
- Clogs that block the flow
- Sewage backing up into your home
- Strong odors from drains and fixtures
- Overflow from toilets, tubs, or sinks
You can handle small clogs with a plunger or a simple drain tool. Full sewer line cleaning, however, requires trained help and special equipment. Many plumbers use high-pressure water or rotating blades to remove the buildup.
Avoid Flushing Grease or Oil
Once cooled, grease and oil from cooking harden and stick to the inside of your pipes. As grease builds up, it traps food scraps and other waste, forming thick, sticky clogs.
Water drains more slowly, and over time, your pipes can become completely clogged. Instead:
- Pour grease into a can
- Let it cool
- Throw it in the trash
Even small amounts can build up and block your pipes.
Skipping grease down the drain is one of the simplest ways to keep your plumbing healthy. Many sewage backup solutions begin with good habits like this. Simple steps at home can help you avoid costly repairs and messy cleanups later.
Schedule Regular Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection lets you see inside your pipes without digging up your yard. A small camera goes into the drain and shows what’s happening underground, helping uncover:
- Cracks in the pipe
- Clogs that slow the flow
- Tree roots growing inside
- Weak spots that may collapse
- Rust or corrosion
- Pipe sections that have shifted
Many older homes in Syracuse have aging pipes that may fail without warning. Catching problems early gives you time to act and choose the right fix. A sewer camera inspection can save you:
- Money
- Time
- Stress
Search for a reliable Syracuse sewer and drain cleaning company like Syracuse Drains. Our team can inspect your system, explain the problem, and offer smart, lasting solutions.
Use Drain Screens
Hair, food scraps, and soap can quickly clog your pipes if they slip down the drain. You can prevent most of that by using drain screens in your sinks, showers, and tubs. These small tools catch solids before they reach the pipes and cause blockages.
Clean the screens often and throw the waste into the trash to keep water flowing well. Drain screens are low-cost, easy to use, and last for a long time with basic care.
They help stop buildup and are one of the best drain maintenance tips for busy homes with kids or pets. Stopping clogs early also helps you avoid major problems later, like messy sewage cleanup that takes time, money, and effort to fix.
Don’t Flush Non-degradable Items
Many products say they are flushable, but they are not, and these include:
- Wipes
- Cotton balls
- Paper towels
- Hygiene products
- Tissues
- Diapers
- Dental floss
These products don’t break down like toilet paper and are likely to clog your pipes. They clump together, block the flow of water, and cause backups in your home.
Over time, these clogs can grow and lead to pipe damage. Always flush only human waste and toilet paper; everything else should go in the trash.
Following this simple rule helps keep your system clear and working well. If a clog does happen, you may need sewage cleaning services to fix the damage and get your pipes flowing again.
Install a Backwater Valve
A backwater valve prevents dirty water from flowing back into your home during heavy rain or sewer overload. It acts like a one-way door built into your sewer line. When the city sewer fills up, the valve closes to block water from coming back in.
It protects your basement from flooding and keeps your living area dry and safe. A backwater valve works well in areas with frequent storms or older pipes. Many Syracuse homeowners now include it in their home flood protection plans.
It is one of the best ways to prevent basement flooding before any problems start. Ask a plumber if your home needs one and how to install it the right way.
Check and Repair Damaged Pipes
Pipes weaken over time as tree roots grow into them, and shifting soil causes cracks or breaks. When pipes get damaged, waste no longer flows properly, and water starts to build up inside. Pressure then forces the waste back into your home, leading to a messy and costly backup.
You can avoid all that by calling a trusted Syracuse sewer and drain cleaning company to inspect the lines. Professionals can spot early damage and fix it before the problem grows out of control. Checking your system often and fixing small issues right away helps keep your plumbing working as it should.
Sewage Backup in Your House: What You Should Know and How to Respond
A sewage backup in your house can damage your floors, walls, and belongings in just a few hours. Backups usually happen when your pipes get clogged or damaged, and waste flows the wrong way. Fixing problems early is the best way to stop damage and protect your home.
If you’re dealing with a sewage backup in your house, call Syracuse Drains. We’re Syracuse’s trusted local team, known for fast, affordable service.
We clear clogs, clean pipes, and handle backups without harsh chemicals. We serve homes 24/7 and leave your space clean and safe. We’re rated number one by our customers. Reach out to us today.