What Causes Sewage Backup During a Storm?

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer water backup in a laundry room

What Causes Sewage Backup During a Storm?

A flooded basement can be devastating, especially if you use that space to store valuable heirlooms or photos. Unfortunately, this is a common problem with several causes, including:

• Sewer water backing up into your home
  
• Surface water flowing near the foundation
  
• Groundwater being pushed into the basement
  
  

Surface water often comes into the basement via clogged gutters or sloped pavements and landscapes. These problems are relatively easy to fix.
Preventing groundwater flooding is a bit more complicated. Groundwater can seep into the basement when hydrostatic pressure pushes the fluid through holes or cracks in the floor. Still, there are ways to prevent this issue, namely installing a drain system to reduce the hydrostatic pressure.

Sewage Backup

Major storms can also lead to a flooded basement in your Forest Park, IL, home. This is particularly a problem in houses built before 1980. Many of these homes contain an exterior drain at the basement level that attaches via a pipe to the city's sewage system. If the rain level in that system gets too high during a storm, the water can flow back toward your house. You may be able to solve this issue by installing an interior drain system with a sump pump.
Even newer homes may have to deal with sewage problems during storms, however. The local sewage system is often overwhelmed during major rainstorms, causing sewer water to back up into homes. Keeping your pipes clear of tree roots and installing backflow valves can help protect your home from sewage backup. However, you cannot completely prevent it from occurring.

Dealing With Basement Flooding

No matter what the cause, a flooded basement can cause plenty of damage. The water can destroy the walls and floors. It can also contaminate any belongings you are storing in that room.
Thankfully, your home and your possessions can be saved with the help of an emergency restoration company. Cleanup professionals do more than just drain the water from your property. They can also disinfect your house, remove any odors and excess mold, and take care of your personal items.