Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Backed-up sewers can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, electrical systems, walls, furniture, and other belongings. Most homeowners may not realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house or sewer lateral—that is, the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building. The sewer lateral is owned and maintained by the property owner and the homeowners responsibility includes any part of the lateral that extends into the street or public right of way. A cracked or deteriorated lateral or one filled with tree roots can allow groundwater to seep into the system, contributing to the problem.

Here Are the Most Common Causes of Sewer Backups: 

  • Aging Sewer Systems
    The American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that the nation’s 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are, on average, over thirty years old. The increase in the number of homes connected to already aging sewage systems has also contributed to rapid increases in sanitary sewer backups flooded basements and overflows.
  • Combined Pipelines
    Problems arise in systems that combine stormwater and raw sewage into the same pipeline. During many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle, and this results in a sewage backup situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low-lying drains.
  • Tree Roots
    Seeking moisture, small roots of trees, and shrubs make their way into the sewer line cracks and service pipe joints and can cause extensive damage or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the cleanup will fall to the problem tree’s owner. When the issue results in a combination of city and private trees, the costs of damages may be divided between the city and the property owner.
  • Sanitary Main Blockages
    A blockage can occur in a city sanitary main. If the blockage is not detected in time, sewage from the main can back up into homes and businesses through floor drains. Usually, this happens slowly, and there are early indications of a problem. If you see seepage in the floor drains, it is best to call a licensed plumber to assess the situation. If water is entering your basement at a rapid rate, report the problem immediately to the city public works office.
  • Properly Dispose of Grease
    Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly after it cools off, not in the drain. If not properly disposed of, the grease will solidify as it cools off and either enter the property owner’s line or the main sewer line causing the line to constrict and eventually clog.
  • Properly Dispose of Paper Products
    Paper towels, disposable (and cloth) diapers, hygienic wipes, and feminine products do not deteriorate quickly and can cause a great deal of trouble in the property owner’s lateral as well as in the main city line.
  • Periodically Cut Tree Roots
    If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your lateral, you may have to have the roots cut by a professional on a reoccurring basis.
  • Replace Your Line with New Plastic Pipe
    Plastic pipes will prevent tree roots from entering your line.
  • Correct Illegal Plumbing Connections
    Do not connect French drains, sump pumps, and other flood control systems to your sanitary sewer. It is illegal to do so, and debris and silt will clog your line. Consult a plumber to correct any pre-existing illegal connections.
  • Install A Backwater Prevention Valve
    A properly installed and maintained backwater valve allows sewage to go out, but not to come back in.

Be sure to use a qualified plumber. A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house or business, and can even result in electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and prevent mold or further damage. If you experience a sewer backup situation, immediately arrange for the cleanup of your property. This should include wet-vacuuming or removal of spillage, mopping floors, and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant.

What to Do If You Experience A Sewer Backup:

  • Flush out and disinfect plumbing fixtures
  • Steam clean or remove wet carpets or drapes
  • Repair or remove damaged wallboard or wall covering
  • Clean ductwork

To facilitate a sewer backup claim, take “before” photos of your basement (or any area likely to be affected) and create a home inventory. If you have an incident, be sure to take “after” photos of the affected areas, itemize any property losses, and all receipts related to repair, cleaning, or damages.

Be sure to contact a member of the Lawley team as soon as possible to help you access the damage and discuss coverage.