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If you’ve ever had your basement drain back up after you flushed the toilet, you know it’s not a fun experience.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to help prevent this from happening. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the causes when a basement drain backs up and provide some tips on how to fix them.
We’ll also talk about ways to prevent this situation from happening in the first place. So if your basement drainage system is giving you trouble, read on tips that might help.
What causes your basement drain to back up?
If your basement has ever flooded, you know how devastating it can be. Not only is your home and property damaged, but the mess and cleanup can be a huge headache.
If your basement drains are prone to backing up after a toilet flush, it’s important to find out what’s causing the problem so you can take steps to prevent it from happening again.
There are several things that can cause a backup in your basement drain, and knowing what they are is the first step in solving the problem.
Too Much Waste
The most common cause of a backed-up basement drain is when too much waste has been flushed down the toilet.
This can include things like wipes, hygiene products, and other items that should not be flushed.
If the pipes become clogged with these types of materials, it can create a blockage in the drainage system, leading to a backup.
Tree Roots
Another reason your basement drain might back up is because of tree roots blocking the pipes.
Tree roots will seek out any cracks or openings in your sewer lines, and if left unchecked, can grow into the pipes and cause a blockage.
Old Plumbing System
Finally, an outdated plumbing system can also lead to a backup in your basement drain. If your plumbing system is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle the volume of waste that you are sending through it.
This can lead to a build-up of organic material and other debris which can clog the pipes and cause a backup.
What to do if your basement drain backs up?
Now that you know what causes a basement drain to back up, let’s discuss how to fix the problem.
If your basement drain has already backed up, you’ll need to take immediate action. The first step is to identify the source of the clog.
Once you know that, you can use a plunger or auger to try and clear it out.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner or call a professional to clear the clog.
Recommended article: How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?
How to prevent your basement drain backing up?
You can prevent basement drain back ups in the future by following some precautions that will help keep your basement drainage system running smoothly.
Only Flush Waste & Toilet Paper
Never flushing anything down the toilet other than waste and toilet paper. This will help prevent clogs from forming in the pipes.
Outdoor Catch Basin
One of the most effective solutions is to install an outdoor catch basin in your yard. This will allow water from the sewer line to flow away from your home, reducing the chance of a backup occurring.
- 6, 8, 10, and 12 inch PVC connection outlets on all 4 sides
Professional Inspection
You should also have a professional inspect your sewer lines and drainage system to make sure there are no clogs or leaks.
If they find any, they can fix the issue before it leads to further basement drain back ups.
Check Plumbing Fixtures
You should regularly check your plumbing fixtures for signs of wear and tear that could cause a leak or blockage in the pipes.
Summary
Basement drain back ups can be a major inconvenience and cause damage to your home and property. Knowing what causes these backups is the first step in preventing them from happening again.
Common causes include too much waste being flushed down the toilet, tree roots blocking the pipes, and an outdated plumbing system. To fix the problem, you can use a plunger or auger to clear out the clog, use a chemical drain cleaner, or call in a professional.
To prevent future basement drain backups, only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet, install an outdoor catch basin in your yard, have a professional inspect your sewer lines and drainage system regularly, and check plumbing fixtures for signs of wear and tear.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your basement drain stays clear and functional.
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