The short answer
Install a Backwater Valve
A backwater valve, or sewer backflow valve, is a one-way device installed on your main sewer line. It allows sewage to flow out but stops it from reversing back into your home. This is a critical upgrade for homes in low-lying areas or with a history of backups. A qualified plumber can assess your property and install the correct valve for your system.
These valves require periodic inspection to ensure the flapper or gate moves freely and seals properly. You should test it annually, especially before the rainy season. In areas with heavy seasonal rains, this maintenance is essential. A stuck valve can fail when you need it most, potentially leading to a major indoor sewage flood.
Maintain Drains and Sewer Lines
Clogged private sewer lines are a primary cause of backups during storms. Have a plumber inspect and clean your main line from the house to the street every few years. They can use a camera to check for cracks, root intrusion, or bellied pipes that trap debris. Addressing these issues prevents a minor blockage from becoming a major problem when rain overwhelms the system.
- Schedule professional sewer line cleaning every two to three years
- Never pour cooking grease or oil down any drain
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper
- Install drain screens in sinks and tubs to catch hair
- Avoid planting trees with invasive roots near sewer lines
- Know where your main cleanout access point is located
Reduce Indoor Water Use During Storms
When heavy rain is falling, the public sewer system can reach capacity. You can help by minimizing the amount of water you send into it. Delay running dishwashers, washing machines, or taking long showers until after the storm passes. Even small reductions in flow from many homes can ease pressure on the overwhelmed municipal lines and reduce the risk of a community-wide backup.
This practice is especially important during the first heavy downpour after a dry period, which can wash large amounts of debris into street drains. If you must use water, try to space out high-volume activities. For instance, wait an hour between showers and doing a load of laundry. Every bit helps when the system is under stress.
Address Landscape and Foundation Grading
Proper grading around your home's foundation ensures stormwater flows away from the building. If the ground slopes toward your house, water can seep into floor drains or around the foundation wall. This subsurface water can enter your sewer pipe through cracks or faulty seals, contributing to a backup. Regrading your yard may be necessary to create a positive slope.
Check that your downspout extensions discharge at least five feet away from the foundation. Consider installing a French drain or dry well to capture and redirect runoff in low spots. In a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and winter rains, the ground can be hard initially, causing more runoff. Proper drainage keeps this water from compromising your home's sewer connection.
What to Do If a Backup Occurs
If sewage begins to back up into drains or toilets, act immediately to limit damage. Avoid using any plumbing fixtures and do not flush toilets. If safe to do so, locate your main water shutoff valve and turn off the water to the house to prevent more flow. Then, contact a plumber to address the clog or failure in the line.
Once the flow is stopped, the contaminated water must be cleaned up by qualified professionals. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Local water damage pros specializing in sewage backup cleanup have the safety gear and equipment to remove the waste, disinfect the area, and dry the structure properly. This is not a do-it-yourself task due to the severe health risks.
- Stop using all sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances
- Turn off your home's main water supply if possible
- Keep children and pets away from the affected area
- Do not attempt to unclog a sewer line yourself during a backup
- Contact a plumber to clear the main line obstruction
- Call for professional sewage cleanup after the flow stops
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Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (562) 512-6288Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup from a storm?
It depends on your specific policy. Some require a separate sewer backup endorsement for coverage. Standard policies often exclude flood-related backups. You should review your policy details or speak with your agent. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
How much does a backwater valve installation cost?
Costs often range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on your home's access, pipe material, and local labor rates. The price includes the valve unit, excavation if needed, and professional installation. Getting estimates from a few plumbers is a common step.
Can tree roots really cause a sewage backup?
Yes, tree roots seek moisture and can infiltrate tiny cracks or loose joints in sewer pipes. They grow and create a dense net that catches debris, causing severe blockages. Heavy rain can then push this mass back toward your home. Regular camera inspections can identify root intrusion early.
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