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Flooded
Basement:
Solutions & Services
Cause
of Water and Sewage Backup
The primary purpose
of sanitary sewer pipelines is to carry sewage from the home to the Metropolitan
District Commission sewage treatment facility. When extra water like rainwater
is added to the system, a strain on the pipe is created. This strain can
often cause water or sewage to back up into the nearest outlet, such as
a manhole, a crack in the road, or your basement.
There are several
causes of flooding and sewage surcharge:
- Rain downspouts
that go directly into the ground and into the sewer add excess
water to the system. Rain downspouts should be redirected to exit
onto the lawn.
- Tree roots
are another cause of pipe constriction. Older trees have deep
roots that, in some cases, have entered into the pipe through
the joints, limiting or blocking the flow of sewage and water.
- The configuration
of the sewer network creates a strain on the passage of water
and sewage as well. For instance, pipes are curved at a 90 degree
angle before exiting into the main sewer truck, are restrictions
and potential sources of blockage.
- Lastly, sewage
and water may enter a home because mechanical systems, such as
a back water valve, are not functioning properly or are not in
place.
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