Why is my basement drain backing up during heavy rain?

A basement drain backup can be devastating. Basements are a feature in almost all homes, and they can provide valuable additional living space, storage, and other practical benefits. However, they can also be prone to flooding and other problems, particularly during heavy rainfalls. One of the most frustrating issues homeowners may encounter during wet weather is basement drain backups. In this blog post, we will explore why this problem occurs and how it can be addressed.

Before delving into the causes of basement drain backups, it’s important to understand how basement plumbing works. 

Most homes have a main sewer line that connects to the municipal sewer system. This line typically runs beneath the basement floor and carries waste water away from the house. 

• It is connected to various other pipes, including those that lead from sinks, toilets, and other fixtures. 
• These pipes typically have traps designed to prevent sewage gases from entering the home. 
• They are also often equipped with cleanout plugs that allow access to drain cleaning and other maintenance tasks.

One common cause of a basement drain backup is a clogged or damaged sewer line. 

This can occur for various reasons, including tree root intrusion, corrosion, and debris buildup. 

• When the sewer line becomes blocked or damaged, water and waste can no longer flow freely away from the home, leading to backups in the basement.

Another potential cause of a basement drain backup is a clogged or overwhelmed municipal sewer system. 

This concern is common in older cities like London, which have become overwhelmed with housing and highrises. When heavy rainfalls occur, the volume of water in the sewer system can increase significantly, leading to backups and overflows. 

• This can affect the basement drains and other plumbing fixtures throughout the home. 
• In severe cases, raw sewage can even back up into the home, posing a health hazard and requiring expensive cleanup and repairs.

Finally, improper installation or maintenance of plumbing can also contribute to basement drain backups. 

For example, if cleanout plugs are not installed correctly, water and waste can seep into the basement. Similarly, if pipes are not properly sloped, moisture can become trapped, leading to backups. 

So, what can be done to address a basement drain backup? 

One effective solution is to have the sewer line cleaned using high-pressure sewer flushing. 

• This technique involves using specialized equipment to spray water at high pressure into the sewer line, effectively blasting away clogs and debris. 
• Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors offers this service to homeowners throughout the London, ON, area. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that your sewer line is thoroughly cleaned and restored to optimal condition.

You should not leave a basement sewer backup. Call a plumber or drainage expert to investigate.

In addition to high-pressure sewer flushing, Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors in London, ON, offers many other sewer and drain cleaning services. 

• These include drain snaking, video camera inspections, and hydro jetting, which involves using pressurized water to scour the pipes inside and remove stubborn clogs. 
• Our team can also perform sewer line repairs and replacements and routine maintenance tasks such as drain cleaning and inspection.

In conclusion, basement drain backups can be a frustrating and potentially costly problem for homeowners. However, by understanding the causes of this issue and taking proactive steps to address it, you can help protect your home and ensure that your plumbing system remains in good condition. 

If you’re experiencing basement drain backups or other plumbing problems, don’t hesitate to contact Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors at (519) 438 6565 or request a quote online for fast, professional service. Our team is here to help you get your plumbing back on track and prevent future problems from occurring.