Sewer Backup Edmonton

Stinky black water seeping out of your drain lines or fixtures is the most obvious sign of a sewage backup, but it's not the only sign of a sewer backup. Edmonton residents should know that in some cases, it's possible to spot early warnings coming from the plumbing system that indicate blockage buildup in the main sewer line. Responding to those warning signs is vital if you want to avoid situations like a flooded basement full of wastewater.

• Unpleasant Odours: Unpleasant smells emanating from your drain line could come from a waste line backup. Not only does wastewater carry revolting odours, but many types of blockage can also contribute their own foul stench to plumbing backups. If your nose wrinkles near a toilet or floor drain, don't ignore it.
• Visible Grey Water: Black or grey water seeping out of fixtures is a clear sign of a sewer backup. Edmonton property owners who have witnessed this may only have clogged drains, but in some cases, that wastewater could simply be appearing because of serious problems with the sewer lateral. Frequent toilet backups are a good example of repeated plunging and snaking, not giving you long-term relief. Either way, it should be investigated and fixed before it gets worse.
• Standing Water: Showers, sinks, tubs, and other fixtures that drain slowly should be inspected—and fixed. That slow drainage could be a sign of a sewage problem. Slow draining will only continue getting worse until that undetected clog takes a toll. An entirely blocked drain pipe won't just stop drainage systems from working; it will also create waste and water backups.
• Toilets Affecting Other Drains: If your main drain pipe is blocked or damaged, flushing your toilet could send that waste into your showers, tubs, and floor drains instead of into Edmonton's municipal sewer lines. Wastewater will always follow the path of the least resistance. If something stops it from getting by, it'll go somewhere else or not go anywhere. The new destination for those sewer backflows could be whichever drains in your home are easiest to reach. You should also get assistance for backflow problems that appear when running dishwashers, washing machines, and any other fixtures or appliances with drainage connections.
• Gurgling Toilets: Air must always flow freely through plumbing systems. Air helps waste flow efficiently out of your home and into Edmonton's city sewer system. If air isn't flowing smoothly, it could make your toilet gurgle, bubble, and even flush itself. A potential cause for that annoyance is a sewer backup, which could lead to a series of problems.

Additional Warning Signs for Septic System Backups:

• Ground leakage near septic tanks
• Algae and weed growth in nearby ponds
• Standing water above septic tanks
• Unusual grass growth near a septic system
• Contaminated water

They don't happen every day, but they're not uncommon and could happen at any time. Some communities in Edmonton where homes were built before 1960 are at increased risk due to older plumbing systems and the lack of preventative maintenance.

Homes with older drain pipes that haven’t received annual inspections and treatments are susceptible to corrosion, clogs, and even collapse. When drain lines are well-maintained and cleaned regularly, the occurrence of sewer backups and many other problems that require repairs decreases significantly.

A combined public sewer—like those in some of Edmonton's older communities—carries rainwater, meltwater, and wastewater in the same pipe. During high accumulation of rain—or when snow melts during the spring—those systems are at risk of overflowing and sending backflow up into the drains of private residences.

Installing a backwater valve could prevent any backflow from overflowing your basement floor drain and protect you from a potential basement flood. While the municipality does its best to control those public sewers, they have also been encouraging local homeowners to take additional action, such as equipping their plumbing with a backwater valve or sump pump installation to prevent a sewer backup. Edmonton plumbers on our team also recommend checking with the city about potential programs and financial assistance.

Edmonton property owners need to determine the severity of the damage. Raw sewage and grey water do pose health hazards, so it's best to keep your distance, but you won't have to leave your home unless it's entirely flooded or extensive damage has caused serious foundation issues. As this is an emergency plumbing situation, follow your local plumber’s instructions. Until they arrive, simply avoid affected areas and ensure you’re in a safe place.

Blockages created by flushing unsafe materials are a common source, but backflow could also be caused by tree root penetration, pipe damage or other restrictions to normal flow, and heavy rain. To avoid a future sewer backup, Edmonton homeowners should always avoid flushing harmful materials.

Consider installing backflow control systems like a backwater valve for even more protection. Routine drain cleaning service and inspection are also a great option for preventing backup issues.

Common Culprits Include:

• Tree roots
• Baby wipes, “flushable” wet wipes
• Cigarette butts
• Sanitary napkins (and other personal hygiene products)
• Paper towel
• Dental floss
• Food waste
• Grease and cooking oil
• Corrosion
• Sudden damage
• Heavy rain and melting snow

A sump pump plays a huge role in dealing with excess groundwater. They don’t really reduce the risk of sewer backup, but greatly reduce the risk of basement flooding. Edmonton homeowners should know that they are designed to detect rising water levels in the sump pit, which either comes from moisture in the basement or excess rainwater in a weeping tile (also called perimeter drain), which is installed outside the home, surrounding the property’s perimeter. They help redirect rainwater away from your foundation and, thus, reduce the risk of basement flooding.

Combining the sump pump with a backwater valve can enhance your protection against flooding and sewer backups. Edmonton homeowners who don’t know if they have any protective plumbing devices installed should call a qualified plumber for an inspection and potential installation services for damage prevention.

This is a good question to ask your home insurance company now before any incident occurs. Every property owner has a slightly different insurance policy. That said, any backup that occurs on your property and cannot reach the city sewer is your responsibility unless the city is at fault because the location of blockage occurs off your property but is affecting you. For this reason, having protective devices to stop potential issues from occurring on your property is crucial.

When choosing Mr. Rooter Plumbing to resolve your sewer backup in Edmonton, you're getting a team that's dedicated to doing an excellent job. Here's what else you can look forward to when calling our valued team:

• Service from licensed, certified plumbers
• Emergency services without overtime charges
• Upfront, honest prices
• Convenient appointment times
• Friendly, courteous service
• Guaranteed parts
• Answers to all your plumbing questions

Would you like to learn more about our dedicated team, a wide range of professional services, or core values? You are always welcome to check out our local reviews and ratings or give our friendly customer service team a call today!

When you see sewage coming out of your drains, filling your sink, tub, toilet, or floor drains, you need help fast. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but this toxic human waste is also filled with bacteria and isn't safe. Plus, it's a hassle to properly clean up and sanitize.

If the thought of spending hours sanitizing, mopping up raw sewage, and sanitizing your surfaces sounds like a nightmare, our team is ready to help! If wastewater flows into your home instead of out, we can fix that! We proudly serve all communities in and around Edmonton, including Pleasantview, Sherwood Park and St. Albert.

To schedule an appointment to tackle a sewer backup, Edmonton homeowners are invited to contact our exceptional customer service team today. Learn more about our other plumbing services, including everything from drain repair to sump pump services.