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How to Protect Your Home from Costly Sewer Backups
By webdev
May 19, 2025
A sewer backup can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare—messy, expensive, and stressful. Fortunately, with a little prevention and smart planning, you can reduce the risk of backups and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. Being the company that home and business owners trust for sewer repair in Redwood City, CA, Bell Plumbing has the knowledge and expertise to help keep your home free from sewer backups.
Understand the Common Causes
Sewer backups usually happen when the main sewer line becomes blocked or overwhelmed. Common culprits include:
- Tree root intrusion
- Grease buildup
- Flushing non-flushable items
- Heavy rain overwhelming the system
- Collapsed or deteriorating pipes
Knowing what can trigger a backup is the first step in proper sewer maintenance.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
One of the easiest ways to prevent backups is to watch what you flush or pour. Sewer cleaning experts discourage flushing wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, or hygiene products. In the kitchen, avoid pouring grease, oils, or food scraps down the sink. These habits alone can drastically reduce clogs in your sewer line.
Install a Backwater Valve
A backwater valve is a small but powerful device that prevents sewage from re-entering your home when the main line backs up. It’s especially helpful in areas prone to heavy rains or older sewer systems. A licensed sewer pipe installation specialist can assess whether your home would benefit from one.
Schedule Regular Sewer Maintenance
Routine sewer and drain maintenance can help catch small issues before they turn into disasters. Video inspections, hydro-jetting, and professional cleaning services can keep your lines clear and flowing properly year-round.
Don’t Wait for a Mess—Act Now
Protecting your home from a sewer backup doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take action. At Bell Plumbing, we help homeowners stay ahead of sewer issues with expert maintenance, repairs, and sewer line replacement services. Whether you need an inspection or a full system check, our team is here to help.
Call us today to schedule your sewer line inspection and take the first step toward a safer, backup-free home!