Sewer Backups

Call us FIRST 907-479-3118 to see what we can do to solve your sewer (or water) problems. Golden Heart and College Utilities have people to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Once a call has been placed, utility personnel will ask a series of questions to determine if the cause of the blockage is in the service connection or main line. This inspection to the utility main is provided at no cost to the resident.

• Blockages in the utility main line will be cleared by Utility personnel.
• Blockages in service lines (pipe between the building and utility main line) are the responsibility of the property owner.

To help reduce sewer backups, we urge residents to refrain from disposing cooking grease, flush-able wipes and large foreign objects in the sewer system. Learn about the 3Ps of Flushing from Patty Potty.

Here is How You Handle a Sewer Backup in Your Basement

If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of having a sewer backup in your basement, don’t panic.  While frustrating, there are things you can do to start the cleanup process on your own. By following the steps below, you can begin to resolve the issue quickly and safely:

What to Do Immediately After Finding a Sewage Backup in Your Basement

There are some essential safety precautions to take when dealing with a sewage backup in your basement.  If there’s basement flooding, (standing water, or overflow) turn off the electricity in the flooded area.

• Shut off the water line or ensure that there is no water being used in the building. Your water meter has a flow indicator that will show if any water is being used. Examples of the meters are shown on our website. https://www.myutility.us/akwater/water-safety/water-meters-leaks
• Wear protective gear like a facemask and boots if you must walk through sewage water.
• Avoid using your toilets and sinks for the time being to prevent toilet overflowing and further sewer backup.
• Call the Utility at 907-479-3118. The operator will ask a few questions, and it is possible that you will be advised to call a contractor.
  

  Plumbing & Thawing Services

  We do not provide plumbing and thawing services, nor do we endorse any such services. Conducting a simple online search, will provide you with several options. 

   

Sewage backups are more than just unpleasant smelly messes. They can also be dangerous.

Under most circumstances, you should let a professional clean up a sewer backup in your basement. Look for cleaning contractors that have the IICRC certifications to do so.

What Does it Mean When Your Sewer Backs Up in the basement?

When you have a sewage backup in your basement, it could have several different causes. The most common problem is that there is a problem with the building’s service line, this is the drainpipe that connects the building to the Utility’s larger main line serving the area. When this happens, the sewage backs up into the basement because it’s the lowest point in the house, and those sewer drains are the easiest means of escape for the excess water.

It could also be caused by an individual clogged drain in the basement, which is likely the case if you are only getting back up in one drain.

What Causes a Sewage Backup?

Clogs, buildups in pipes from grease, or improperly flushed items, such as paper towels or single-use wipes, are common causes of sewage backup. Damage to the sewer lines can also cause a sewage backup because it prevents water from flowing correctly.

Aging Sewage Systems

You may not know this, but pipes are aging fast. This is because in the past they were made of cast iron and wood. Aging sewage systems can break down and fail, causing a host of problems including backups that result in flooded basements. A video inspection of your sewer service line is a great way to check the condition of the pipe that carries your wastewater to the Utility main. Plumbing contractors are able to provide sewer line video inspections.

Can Tree Roots in Sewer Lines Cause Sewage Backup?

Shrubs and trees seeking moisture can make their way into sewer line cracks, eventually damaging the pipe and causing sewage backup. A video inspection of your sewer service line would show any of these issues.

Fix Sewage Backup in Basement Floor Drains

If you’re looking to fix your floor drain backing up right away, some home remedies may be worth a try. With a clogged floor drain, pouring Drano or similar products down your sewer drain can damage your pipes or the glue holding them together, causing more sewer system problems in the future.

In most situations, a drain snake is a great tool to unclog plumbing fixtures. These are readily available at local hardware stores or available for rent at equipment rental shops. If you don’t have one, you could use a hose or plunger to clear a clogged drain. However, it may be well worth your time and efforts to simply have a professional come and tackle the issue for you.

Do you have an outside sewer cleanout?

Sewer cleanouts are short pipes typically 4” in diameter sticking up out of the ground near the house in the area where your wastewater exits the foundation. It is an access point to your sewer service line for cleaning, unplugging or thawing the line.  These are required by plumbing code, but depending on the age of the building you may not have one.  It is a good idea to locate one if you have one and communicate that with anyone that you call.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Backup Costs?

Your homeowners insurance does not generally cover sewage backup. Extra insurance coverage for sewage damage is available for an additional cost. Check your policy for more information.

Protect Yourself

Once you have the backup fixed and your sewer drain is unclogged, you’ll need to have the affected area cleaned. This is best done by professionals as they have the proper equipment and antimicrobial solutions to make the area clean and safe. A bleach and water solution doesn’t work in all situations.  Cleaning contractors that have the IICRC certification are trained in this field to do it properly and safely.

What About Carpeted Floors?

These cleaning steps will work on a hard floor surface, but carpet flooring is more complicated. In most cases, a carpet that has been covered in sewage water will need to be completely removed. If you choose to clean it, call a professional, and inform them of the situation to see if they are able to handle the carpet safely.

Health Risks of Sewage Backup in Your Basement

Deep cleaning the affected area of a clogged sewage drain is essential to making your home livable and safe again. There are health risks associated with sewage leaks including exposure to Dysentery, Salmonellosis, and Hepatitis A.

Electrocution is also a major concern when dealing with the flooding associated with sewage backups. Make sure that you have shut off the gas and electricity before entering a flooded basement.

Can Sewage Backup Make You Sick?

Sewage water is nothing to mess around with and should be taken seriously. If you find a sewage backup in your basement, it’s crucial to deal with it in a timely fashion.

The pungent odor of sewage can make you sick. There are toxic gases in sewage that can cause anything from skin irritation to organ damage and death.

But if you take the proper safety precautions by wearing the right gear and work on solving the problem immediately, your risk of illness is much lower. We are here to help, if you have any questions or need advice on who to call, please feel free to contact our Customer Care Team at 907-479-3118.

How to Stop Sewage Backup in the Future

After dealing with a sewage backup in your basement drains, such as toilet backing up into a basement drain, you’ll never want to have that experience again. Here are some steps you can take to prevent a recurrence:

Inspect Your Pipes

If cause of the backup is believed to be aged or deteriorated pipes, have the pipes video inspected. This service may cost a few hundred dollars, but it gives you a nice high-definition view of the condition of your pipes so you can properly, and cost effectively address the issues.

Keep Drains Clog Free

A much more straightforward (and cheaper) solution to do is adjust your family’s behavior to avoid clogged drains altogether. Avoid flushing wet wipes (even those that are labeled as flushable), paper towels, and feminine products down the toilet. Pour unused grease and oil, left over from cooking, into the garbage or in a disposable container rather than washing it down the kitchen sink drain.

Install a Sewer Backwater Valve

Backwater valves are another way to help prevent future sewage backup, and they are required by the local Plumbing Code. These are one-way valves that let sewage pass out the drain, and it will not return or back up into your home. You plumber would have additional information on how one may be installed in your home.

Sump Pump or Private Lift Station Maintenance

Make sure your sump or lift station pump is clean and doesn’t sit on debris, such as silt or gravel, which could ruin the motor if sucked up into the pump. A filter fabric or screen may help prevent debris from entering the pump.

Remove Illegal Plumbing Connections

Make sure there are no illegal plumbing connections to your city sewer line. This includes sump pumps, French drains and other flood control systems. This can cause debris to clog your sewer lines.