Homeowner Tips: Avoiding sewer backup
Sewage backups and overflows can be caused by several factors such as the improper disposal of materials such as fats, oils, grease, chemicals, waste, wet naps, hair, dental floss, diapers, or other solid materials that accumulate and clog the drain. If there is dirty and/or smelly water coming up from the basement floor drain or other fixture on your lower level you are likely experiencing a sewage back-up.
How to deal with a sewage backup:
- Do not go into the affected areas, as they are contaminated and pose a risk to you and your family.
- Call 311. The Operator will ask questions to determine whether you need a plumber or if the issue might be as a result of city infrastructure. To learn more about water service lines and City vs. homeowner responsibility, visit https://www.calgary.ca/water/wastewater/sewage-backup.html.
- Contact your property manager (if living in a condo) and insurance company (if needed).
How to prevent sewage backups
- In the home plumbing system (household drains and toilets), the main cause is usually the accumulation of fats, oil, grease, hair, dental floss, or solid materials such as disposable towels, diapers, and sanitary products which include sanitary or wet wipes.
- To see a list of the items that CAN NOT be flushed down drains and toilets visit: https://calgary.ca/water/wastewater/sinks-drains-toilets-stormwater.html.
- Maintain your drains by performing regular maintenance,and by avoiding pouring potentially harmful substances down the drain, like grease.
- Prevent fat or oil blockages by using a paper towel to wipe extra grease from dishes, pots, and pans before washing, and dispose of paper towels in your compost.