Sewer Backup Calgary

It's important to know where your sewer cleanout is located, as it is essential for addressing emergency situations like a sewer backup. Calgary residents: you may have an indoor cleanout or an outdoor cleanout. If you have an indoor cleanout, you can find it by tracing your drainage pipes from toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. These particular pipes are usually constructed from ABS plastic, bronze, or cast iron. Your indoor cleanout may be shaped as a Y or a T. The cleanout will be on a T or Y-shaped pipe fitting with a threaded plug, and it is likely covered by a plastic cap.

Then, you can inspect common areas like bathrooms, garages, or utility rooms for the device. If you have a recently renovated home, the cleanout may be hidden, so you might have to use a flashlight if you're looking for it in dim areas. For outdoor cleanouts, you will want to walk towards the city sewer line or septic tank to locate it. There will be an S stamped into the concrete or in a manhole nearby.

Next, you can follow the direction of the drainage line from the septic or sewer system and trace it towards your home. You will want to look for a protruding pipe. For septic systems, you'll see a plastic pipe sticking up from the lawn. For municipal systems, you can follow a path through the yard to find a white or black pipe with a threaded connection.

Then, you should see a pipe labelled as “cleanout.” In the event of a sewer backup, Calgary homeowners have to be able to see their cleanout. If your outdoor cleanout is covered by foliage, furniture, or garden gnomes, move them around so you can see it.

TIP: Always keep access to the sewer cleanout clear of clutter and ensure all family members are aware of its location in the event of an unpleasant sewage backup. Calgary homeowners, professional sewer plumbers, and restoration experts will likely need to know the location in an emergency.

If you're frantically searching online because you just discovered a sewer backup that's occurring right this minute, don't panic. Here are the immediate steps to follow:

1. Make sure people and pets are well out of harm's way.
2. If it's safe to do so, shut off your electricity at the circuit breaker and cut off your water supply at the building's main water valve. Do not wade into flooded areas, as water can get into electrical outlets and cause electrocution. If you can't reach the electricity and water shutoffs, call your utility companies and have them shut down remotely.
3. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary and let us know you need an experienced plumber as soon as possible to deal with an emergency sewer backup. Calgary plumbers will be on their way shortly.
4. If you can, take photos or video of the damage and save receipts for any services related to your sewer backup so that you can provide them to your home insurance company.
5. Get advice from a Calgary plumber on what needs to happen next to resolve the sewer backup. Calgary homeowners should know that it may be necessary to call a water damage restoration specialist to deal with the destructive aftermath of a sewage backup.

If you've experienced a sewage backup, contact us today to get the repairs necessary to minimize property damage. A sewer backup can introduce several hazards, from contaminated materials and parasites to airborne pathogens. If you have sewer backup problems, it means you need a professional to provide a thorough repair and sewer backup cleanup.

There are a number of common reasons for a sewer backup. Calgary homeowners should be aware that there are uncontrollable factors, like heavy rains, tree root intrusion, and deterioration from old age. But the number one cause by far is homeowners rinsing or flushing items into their sewer pipes that don't belong there. When you put something harmful down your drains or toilets, it can result in intense sewer line blockages. So, if the goal is to prevent a sewage backup, you should never flush down:

• Paper towel
• Baby wipes
• Feminine products
• Dental floss
• Cigarette butts
• Food waste
• Cooking oil
• Liquid grease or fat
• Cat litter

In fact, the only things that should really be in your drainage lines are wastewater and, in the case of your toilets, human waste and toilet paper. In Calgary, the typical service calls annually for sewage backups are between 7,000 to 8,000 for your local emergency sewer service. The most common causes of sewage backups are cooking grease and fats, wet wipes, and tree root intrusion in your sewer main.

Since no one wants to deal with a nasty, destructive sewer backup, we recommend preventative solutions, such as a backwater valve installation, also known as a backwater prevention valve or sewer backup valve. These devices are an effective solution that has actually been installed in all new homes in Canada since 1999. But if you have a house built before then, it's entirely possible that your system doesn't have one. Although there are currently no rebates or programs within Calgary, other cities in Alberta (e.g., Edmonton) do have periodic backwater valve rebate programs. To best protect your home and prevent sewage backups, check annually for updates on whether a rebate program has been implemented.

The majority of home insurance policies in Calgary require a separate rider or endorsement for coverage in the event of a sewage backup. It's not standard to include it, and homeowners will need to specifically add it to their insurance coverage. Many Calgary homeowners won't learn that they're not covered for this type of loss until such an emergency occurs. The premiums for coverage can vary widely, so it's advised that you check with your provider for more information.

TIP: If you're worried about plumbing issues caused by a sewage backup in Calgary, take the time to review your homeowner's insurance policy. You should review the policy on an annual basis, clarifying with your broker about your coverage for both sewage backups and overland flooding, since these are becoming more frequent problems for homeowners.

If you've just been forced to deal with the hassle, stress, and expense of a sewer backup, you're likely keen to find out how you can stop it from ever happening again. Your sewage water disposal lines are built to last, but that doesn't mean they can keep operating perfectly forever without the occasional preventative maintenance care. Hydro jetting service from our licensed plumbers is our recommended way to accomplish that.

A simple drain cleaning appointment once or twice per year is sufficient to remove clog-causing material before it has a chance to form a blockage, and regular drain cleaning also extends the lifespan of your sewage lines, so you can avoid needing repair or replacement for longer. Our professionals also recommend that you install a backwater valve for added protection. But another way to prevent a sewer backup is to pay attention to telltale signs that indicate they have a clogged sewer line. If you're experiencing:

• Slow drains
• Clogged drains across multiple fixtures
• Gurgling toilets and sinks when in use
• Sewage odours
• The sewer cleanout is leaking
• Wet or soggy patches on your lawn

If you're experiencing any of these issues, we encourage you to contact our plumbers promptly. Doing so could prevent costly water damage and extensive damage to your plumbing system.

That depends. If the blockage or problem is in the City's main line (which is beyond your home's property line), the City will handle the necessary repairs. However, if the problem is on your side of the property line (meaning, the service line that runs from your home to the municipal lines), then it's on you—the homeowner—to handle any sewer backup cleaning and repair services.

Now, although the majority of sewage backups in Calgary affect private service lines, the City does still offer some assistance with an assessment, but they won't help with any repairs or sewage cleanup services needed to restore the affected areas.

TIP: If you're worried about whether it's your responsibility, contact your local plumber for a video camera inspection of your drain pipes. Doing so can help confirm whose responsibility the repair is, along with a better location of the problem. Your plumber will also be able to make better recommendations on targeted repairs to resolve the issue.

If it is deemed that you are not responsible for your sewer backup, Calgary plumbers recommend that you collect both photos, videos, and records of the damage, report the incident to 311, and follow up with the City's claim process. Your liability will depend on proof of a city-maintenance failure or an infrastructure defect. Keep the receipts and inspection reports to provide them to the city in case of a sewer backup. Calgary plumbers can assist in any way possible for a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Yes, renters may be impacted, as blockages and flushing items that are non-biodegradable can cause backups. Tenants should report the problem immediately, as landlords are typically responsible for any repairs or drain services required to restore your plumbing system. Alberta rental law requires that landlords ensure the property is habitable, requiring them to quickly address sewage issues. As a renter, you should document any damage and communicate with both your landlords and your insurance company for the best results. Our professionals are here to help with your sewer backup. Calgary tenants, landlords, and homeowners can count on us for quick and efficient service.

Calgary residents, the extreme weather we face in Alberta can overwhelm city systems, causing backups into basements and fixtures closer to ground level or below. The amount of sewer backups Calgary experiences frequently increases following major precipitation or a quick thaw. Our professionals recommend you book sump pump and inspection services in Calgary during the spring and fall to catch any issues early and prepare your home.

Calgary home or business owners should be aware of the health risks that come with sewer backups. Standing water can contain contaminants, exposing you to harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and mold. It is highly unsafe and can cause illness within only a few hours of exposure to the contamination, and for that reason, it is integral that you act quickly to schedule our team to handle your sewer backup. Calgary residents never enter the area without proper protective equipment and leave the cleanup to highly trained professionals for thorough results. Older homes should have their plumbing systems inspected regularly to ensure they are in tip-top condition.

You can always count on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary for help during a sewer backup. Our plumbers will be on the way, ready to restore your plumbing system to full functionality. Do you need the help of a qualified plumber for sewer backup mitigation in Eagle Ridge, Forest Lawn, Altadore, or another community in Calgary? Count on the reliable, experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for expert plumbing services and courteous, professional customer care.

If it's time to schedule an appointment for a sewer backup, Calgary residents can contact our exceptional customer service team today. Check out our customer reviews to see why we're the reliable choice for all things plumbing!