Do you know which sewer lines you need to maintain in Lehigh Valley?

Did you know that as a homeowner, you are responsible for the maintenance of your sewer laterals (from your house to the street) going into the city sanitary sewer main (usually located in the street)? These backed up sewer lines can cause 1000’s of dollars in damages, especially if it causes basement flooding.

As a home owner, you can buy protection coverage for a nominal fee.

Sewer Backup causes

Old sewer lines - Civil engineers have determined that over 500,000 miles of sewer lines in our nation are more than 30 years old. Homes connected to old sewer lines have an increased chance of having, sewer backups and flooded basements or overflows.

Tree roots - Tree roots growing into your lines is a major concern. The roots from trees and shrubs seek out water and force their way into sewer line cracks, causing major blockages and damage. The trees owner will pay the cost for repair. If it is a combination of personal property and city trees, sometimes the city will split the cost with you.

Sanitary main line blockages - If a sanitary main blockage occurs, the sewage can back up into your home or business through the floor drain. Any seepage at all should be addressed immediately and if it’s coming in at a rapid rate, call the city public works to report it.

Combined Lines - Your city sewage and storm water may go into the same pipeline. Large rainstorms can’t handle the fast and excessive amounts of rain water to be carried away, forcing the backup into your basement drain.

Preventing backups in your sewer lateral city mains

• Cut tree roots from time to time if they are growing into your sewer lines.
• You may wish to install a backwater valve to prevent sewer backflows. If properly installed, it will allow your sewage to go out, but not come back in.
• Do not pour cooking fats or oils of any kind down your drains. The grease will solidify causing a blockage, even if you use hot water to flush the drain.

• Plastic pipe can prevent tree roots from entering your lines. Consider having them replaced.

• Do not flush disposable products down your toilet. Hygienic wipes are a big no, even though they are listed as safe. Paper towels, facial tissues and disposable diapers will also create blockages.

If you experience a sewer backup, what’s next?

While you can do things such as, using a wet-vacuum to remove standing water, flushing out plumbing fixtures, mopping and disinfecting floors and walls, steam cleaning drapes and carpets, cleaning ductwork and replacing damaged walls, you are better off calling a professional sewer backup restoration company. There are many hidden dangers in sewer backup contaminated water that can grow mold and cause severe illness. Document all of your losses, keep your receipts and if you have backup coverage, contact your insurance agent.