Sewer Backup Prevention & Response Guide | Calgary Restoration

Sewer Backup Nightmares: How to Protect Your Calgary Home and What to Do If It Happens

As Calgary's leading restoration company, we've seen firsthand the devastation that sewer backups can cause to homes in our community. These messy, unsanitary disasters can strike without warning, leaving homeowners overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. At Calgary Restoration, we're committed to helping our neighbors prevent sewer backups when possible and providing rapid, professional response when the unthinkable occurs.In this comprehensive guide, we'll share our expertise on how to protect your Calgary home from sewer backups and walk you through the steps to take if you experience this plumbing emergency. With over 20 years of experience providing emergency restoration in Calgary and the surrounding areas, we've developed proven strategies to help homeowners navigate these challenging situations.

Understanding Sewer Backups in Calgary

Before we dive into prevention and response, it's important to understand why sewer backups occur in Calgary homes. Our city's aging infrastructure, combined with our unique climate and geography, creates conditions that can increase the risk of backups.

Common Causes of Sewer Backups in Calgary

• Tree root intrusion: Calgary's mature urban forest is beautiful, but tree roots can infiltrate and damage sewer lines.
• Frozen pipes: Our harsh winters can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to backups.
• Heavy rainfall and flooding: Calgary's unpredictable weather, including severe storms, can overwhelm the city's sewer system.
• Clogs from improper disposal: Flushing non-biodegradable items or pouring grease down drains can create stubborn blockages.
• Aging sewer lines: Many Calgary neighborhoods have older pipes that are more susceptible to damage and backups.

Understanding these risk factors is the first step in protecting your home. Now, let's explore how you can safeguard your property against sewer backups.

Protecting Your Calgary Home from Sewer Backups

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true when it comes to sewer backups. Here are our top recommendations for Calgary homeowners:

1. Install a Backwater Valve

A backwater valve is a simple yet effective device that prevents sewage from flowing back into your home. The City of Calgary actually requires these valves in new construction, but many older homes lack this crucial protection. If your home doesn't have a backwater valve, we strongly recommend having one installed by a licensed plumber.

2. Maintain Your Sewer Lateral

The sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your home's plumbing to the city's main sewer line. As a homeowner, you're responsible for maintaining this pipe. We recommend having your sewer lateral inspected and cleaned regularly, especially if you live in an older neighborhood.

3. Be Mindful of What You Flush and Drain

Proper disposal habits can go a long way in preventing clogs and backups. Never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. In the kitchen, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain – instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.

4. Landscape with Your Sewer Line in Mind

When planning your landscaping, be aware of your sewer line's location. Avoid planting trees or large shrubs near the line, as their roots can cause damage over time.

5. Consider Additional Insurance Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies often don't cover sewer backups. We recommend talking to your insurance agent about adding sewer backup coverage to your policy for added protection.

What to Do If You Experience a Sewer Backup in Calgary

Despite your best prevention efforts, sewer backups can still occur. If you find yourself facing this emergency, here's what to do:

1. Safety first: Evacuate the affected area immediately. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and can pose serious health risks.
2. Turn off utilities: If it's safe to do so, turn off electricity, gas, and water to the affected area.
3. Don't use water: Avoid using any water in your home, including flushing toilets or running faucets, as this can worsen the backup.
4. Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the affected areas for insurance purposes.
5. Contact a professional: Call Calgary Restoration's 24/7 emergency line. Our team of experts is ready to respond quickly and begin the restoration process.
6. Notify your insurance company: Report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Remember, attempting to clean up sewage yourself can be dangerous. Our trained professionals have the proper equipment and expertise to handle the situation safely and effectively.

How Calgary Restoration Can Help

At Calgary Restoration, we're more than just a restoration company – we're your neighbors, committed to helping our community recover from disasters big and small. Our team of certified technicians is available 24/7 to respond to sewer backup emergencies throughout Calgary and the surrounding areas.

When you call us, here's what you can expect:

1. Rapid response: We'll be on-site quickly to assess the situation and begin mitigation efforts.
2. Thorough cleanup: Using state-of-the-art equipment, we'll remove all contaminated water and sewage from your home.
3. Sanitization: We'll thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected areas to ensure your home is safe and healthy.
4. Drying and dehumidification: Our industrial-grade equipment will dry out your home to prevent mold growth.
5. Restoration: We'll repair and restore any damaged areas of your home, from flooring to drywall.
6. Insurance assistance: We'll work directly with your insurance company to streamline the claims process.

As a full-service restoration company, we're equipped to handle not just sewer backups, but also fire and smoke damage, storm damage, water and flood damage, and mold and asbestos restoration. No matter what disaster strikes your Calgary home, we're here to help you recover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Backups in Calgary

To further assist our Calgary neighbors, we've compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive about sewer backups:

How can I tell if I'm experiencing a sewer backup?

Signs of a sewer backup include multiple drains backing up simultaneously, gurgling sounds from drains, and foul odors coming from drains or toilets. If you notice these signs, it's crucial to act quickly to minimize damage.

Does the City of Calgary cover damage from sewer backups?

Generally, the City of Calgary is not responsible for damage caused by sewer backups unless the backup was caused by negligence on the part of the city. This is why we strongly recommend having adequate insurance coverage.

How long does it take to clean up after a sewer backup?

The cleanup and restoration process can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Minor backups might be resolved in a day or two, while more severe cases could take several weeks. At Calgary Restoration, we work efficiently to get you back in your home as quickly as possible.

Can I stay in my home during sewer backup cleanup?

For your safety, we typically recommend staying elsewhere during the cleanup process. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and the cleanup process involves powerful equipment and chemicals. We'll let you know when it's safe to return.

How much does sewer backup cleanup cost in Calgary?

Costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the areas affected. Your insurance may cover some or all of the expenses. We provide detailed, transparent estimates and work with your insurance company to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

How often should I have my sewer line inspected?

We recommend having your sewer line inspected every 18-22 months, or more frequently if you live in an older home or have had previous issues with your sewer line.

Are there any warning signs that my sewer line might be at risk of backing up?

Yes, watch for slow drains, gurgling sounds from pipes, and unpleasant odors. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to have a professional inspect your sewer line.

Can tree roots really cause sewer backups?

Absolutely. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in sewer pipes and can infiltrate through small cracks or joints. Over time, these roots can cause significant blockages or even break the pipe. If you have large trees near your sewer line, it's especially important to have regular inspections.

Protecting Calgary Homes, One Backup at a Time

At Calgary Restoration, we're committed to helping our community stay safe and dry. While sewer backups can be a homeowner's worst nightmare, proper prevention and quick action can minimize their impact. Remember, if disaster strikes, our team of experts is just a phone call away, ready to provide emergency restoration in Calgary and the surrounding areas.

From sewer backups to fire damage, storm damage to mold remediation, Calgary Restoration is your trusted partner in disaster recovery. We treat every home as if it were our own, providing compassionate, professional service to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Don't wait for a disaster to strike – take steps to protect your Calgary home today. And if you ever find yourself facing a sewer backup or any other home emergency, remember that Calgary Restoration is here for you, 24/7, ready to restore your home and your peace of mind.