Sewer Backup FAQs

 Every building has a sewer lateral. The sewer lateral is the main pipe  that connects the building to the city’s sewer system or your septic  tank. Laterals for homes are typically 4″-6″ diameter, buried 6-12 feet  below the ground surface, and usually made of clay, cast iron, or PVC,  depending on the year of construction. 

 Every building has a sewer lateral. The sewer lateral is the main pipe  that connects the building to the city’s sewer system or your septic  tank. Laterals for homes are typically 4″-6″ diameter, buried 6-12 feet  below the ground surface, and usually made of clay, cast iron, or PVC,  depending on the year of construction.    

A sewer backup is a serious problem that can occur when sewage  from a building flows backward into the building rather than away.  Incorrect flow can be caused by a pipe blockage, resulting in  significant damage and health risks. The backup typically occurs in the  lowest level (basement), where sewage may flow through a floor drain or  shower drain and can flood the area with sewage. Sewage can pose health  risks to occupants and damage the area’s flooring, walls, and anything  else.

Sewer backups are usually caused by tree roots working their way into  the sewer lateral. Many buildings have trees in the front yard near or  just above the sewer lateral. Consequently, this tree receives water and nutrients from the sewer.  However, its roots obstruct the sewage flow, trapping debris such as  toilet paper and creating blockages. Subsequently, these blockages  inhibit the sewage from flowing away from the building, allowing it to  build up and eventually become visible in the building. To resolve this  sewage backup, a sewer cleaning device is necessary to remove the roots  and restore the regular flow of the pipe.