Tips For Preventing Sewer Backups
Have you or someone you know experienced a sewer back up into a residence, business, or other structure? If so, you know backups can cause unpleasant and costly damage. But, did you know that the backup could have been prevented?
Have you or someone you know experienced a sewer back up into a residence, business, or other structure? If so, you know backups can cause unpleasant and costly damage. But, did you know that the backup could have been prevented?
Regular Maintenance
The Montecito Sanitary District sewer system relies on gravity flow to operate.
Regular maintenance of your lateral line, which drains into the District's sewer main,
will prevent obstructed flow by maintaining a positive flow in your lateral line. Age and
material of your lateral line plays a factor as well. Roots from trees and large shrubs
and plants are attracted to water and if your lateral line is cracked, roots will
gravitate towards the water source, enter the lateral line and eventually obstruct
flow.
Backwater Valve (a.k.a. Back Flow Device)
A backwater valve
can be installed onto some lateral lines to prevent sewer backups. This device is required
by law under certain circumstances. Homes, businesses, and other structures with drainage
fixtures such as a shower pan, tub, toilet or sink rim which are located below the
elevation of the next upstream manhole cover, are required to install and maintain an
"approved" backwater valve. Installation of such devices requires a permit. You should
contact a licensed plumber to determine the need for such a device or if another suitable
alternative exists. If you already have a backwater valve, call a licensed plumber to
verify that it is in good working order, because if it stops working, it may not prevent a
backup.
Additional Measures
- Avoid disposing of bulky trash items
through the sewer. Remember, your lateral line may be as small as three (3) inches in
diameter.
- Do not dispose of substances such as oil, fat, or grease through
the sewer. It is unlawful for anyone to dispose of such substances from whatever source
through the sewer. Commercial operations such as restaurants are required to have a grease
trap to prevent such an occurrence. Industrial waste generators are required to install a
pretreatment facility to process waste prior to disposal.
- If you are not the
property owner and want to protect against potential uninsurable damage to your personal
property, give this notice to your landlord, manager, or property owner.