How to Help Prevent Future Sewer Backups

While many sewer backups are caused by aging or poorly maintained municipal sewer systems, there are several steps homeowners can take to help reduce their risk.

Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard homeowner’s insurance policies often do not cover sewer backup damage. Sewer backup coverage is frequently offered as an optional endorsement that must be added separately.

Before a problem occurs:

• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy.
• Ask your insurance agent whether sewer backup coverage is included.
• Consider adding sewer backup coverage if it is not already part of your policy.

Having the proper insurance can make a significant difference if your home experiences a sewer backup.

Keep in mind: Even if a municipality is ultimately responsible for a sewer backup, cities are not insurers. Government entities are only liable under specific circumstances established by Oklahoma law.

Consider Installing a Backwater (Back-flow) Valve

If your home is located at a lower elevation than the nearest sewer main or manhole—such as at the bottom of a hill—you may be at a greater risk of sewage backing up into your home.

A backwater valve (also called a backflow valve) is designed to automatically close if sewage begins flowing in the wrong direction, helping prevent wastewater from entering your home.

A licensed plumber can determine whether your property would benefit from a backwater valve and install one if necessary. Once installed, the valve should be inspected and cleaned periodically to ensure it continues working properly.

Watch for Early Warning Signs

Don’t ignore slow drains or recurring plumbing problems. Early warning signs may indicate a blockage or developing issue in the sewer system.

Common warning signs include:

• Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or showers
• Toilets that gurgle or drain slowly
• Unpleasant sewer odors
• Water backing up into floor drains

If you notice these issues, contact your city’s public works department or a licensed plumber before a minor problem becomes a major backup.

Keep Grease Out of Your Drains

Grease, cooking oil, and fats may go down the drain as liquids, but they cool and harden inside sewer pipes. Over time, they can combine with other debris and create stubborn blockages.

Instead:

• Allow grease to cool.
• Place it in a sealed container.
• Dispose of it in the trash.

Even garbage disposals cannot prevent grease from clogging sewer lines.

Be Mindful of Trees and Landscaping

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can grow into small cracks or joints in underground sewer pipes. Once inside, the roots continue to expand, restricting wastewater flow and increasing the likelihood of a backup.

When planting trees or large shrubs, keep them well away from underground sewer lines whenever possible.

Avoid Illegal Sewer Connections

Never connect the following directly to your sanitary sewer system:

• Sump pumps
• French drains
• Foundation drains
• Other stormwater drainage systems

These connections can overload municipal sewer systems during heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of backups throughout the neighborhood. They are also prohibited in many municipalities.

If you suspect your home has an improper connection, consult a licensed plumber about correcting it.