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What should you do if there is a sewer backup in your basement?

May 25, 2011 By: James Masters Category: Basement flooding

A sewage backup is not something you want to deal with … ever, and if it is in the basement it is even worse. So it is important to know what to do when you experience a sewer backup in the basement, and more importantly it is essential to learn how to look after your pipes to avoid having to get a complete sewer line replacement or worse. Let’s look at steps to fix the worse case scenario of a backed up sewer in the basement and how to avoid it in the future.

Step 1: Regardless of what action you take, you first need to Deal With the Issue and the mess Quickly

The first thing you need to do is stop the water. If the water continues to be used it will only cause further damage and could result in the need for a complete sewer line replacement. If possible turn the water off at the mains to avoid any further accidental damage to the plumbing in the house.

While most homeowners automatically assume that a sewage backup problem is the local authorities’ problem this may not always be the case. Once you call your local government service a crew will arrive and determine if the problem exists in the homeowners’ sewage lines or the cities. If the problem is a city sewer issue the crew will be able to unblock the line, but if not you will have to call your own plumber and have them fix the problem. In either case, don’t wait around while the problem continues to get worse.

Step 2: Prevention (much better than the cure they say)

The first and most obvious way to prevent further blocks in the sewer line is to apply some common sense. Don’t flush or drain items such as diapers, grease, or paper products as these only contribute to blockage issues. Also, one of the most common causes of blocked sewer lines is a result of tree roots growing in the sewer line. Know where your pipes are and be smart about where you plant your trees and do your landscaping.

It is also important to know the location of your sewer cleanout. While some homes do not have a clean out installed, they are often required and are the responsibility of the property owner to keep uncovered and easily accessible. It can be disheartening to be asked by the sewer company where your cleanout is and have to pay additional costs to have it found.

Acting quickly to get the problem solved can decrease the stress of such a situation and can allow the proper repair professionals the time they need to respond. It is also a safety and health concern to leave this problem alone any longer than it should. If you experience a sewage backup, quick thinking and response can greatly reduce the amount of damage done to your property, that’s really what it comes down to.

This is good advice for the household as well, because many of these tips are centered around prevention, the best kind of cure.

Of course, it would not be a smart how to guide and helpful article if I did not finish by strongly advising you to always seek qualified professional assistance when it comes to all matters of plumbing and sewage

Got a clog in your drain? New York Super Rooter drainage services offer 24/7 emergency services to help you fix a Toilet Clog or Sewer Back up We also offer Bio Remediation for Septic tanks and leach fields. Visit MySuperRooter.com today!

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Choosing the Right Sump Pump for Basic Water Removal

April 10, 2011 By: Kenny Marcum Category: Basement flooding

Approximately 80% of home floods occur within the basement. Homeowners will typically install a sump pump in order to prevent basement flooding. A sump pump works by taking away water from the sump pit, a hole in the basement floor, by pumping the water away from the sump area. The sump area is where the water that is pumped out of the basement is moved to. Using a sump pump is definitely the easiest way to remove basement water as well as water from other parts of the house.

Water removal, especially in the basement, is a common concern of many homeowners. We don’t want the occurrence of flooded basements from time to time. Thus, you should consider installing a sump pump in your house. Before installing your sump pump, it is important that you determine first where your sump area will be. You may consult with a professional plumber to help you with your plan. To prevent flooding and ensure automatic water removal in other parts of the house, you may also consider installing multiple sump pumps. You may opt to choose several small pumps instead of one huge one.

Nowadays, there are a number of different types and models of sump pumps used for water removal that you can choose from. However, the more common models operate using a “float” device akin to one found in a toilet tank. The device activates the pump when the water is at a certain level. Upon reaching a previously set “low” level, the unit automatically turns off. Built as such, the pump will operate only as needed. But for water removal tasks involving larger flows as in a flooded basement, the sump pump continually operates. But whatever type of sump pump you use, make sure that it has a check valve that will prevent the backflow of water to your house. This backflow valve should also be checked from time to time to ensure that it is working.

Some models have a filtering system that is added to its basic features. This is especially useful for those who are in flood-prone areas and may encounter dirty floodwater from time to time. In choosing a sump pump for water removal, it is also suggested that you consider one with an excess capacity than your current need. You never will know the volume of water that might need to be removed in the future.

Another kind of sump pump is the water-powered sump pump. This kind of sump pump facilitates water removal through a valve connected to the municipal water supply. As water flows through the main, it is suctioned out from the sump and into the discharge pipe.

Battery powered or generator powered sump pumps can also be found on the market today. These sump pumps are often used as back-ups in cases of power outages or if the main pump fails to work.

Sump pumps are a wise investment especially when you live in a flood-prone area and would always be in need of water removal.

Looking to find the best deal on a new sump pump, then visit www.plumbingwithpride.com to find the best advice on selecting the right plumber for you.

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