Preventing Sewer Backups Presented by IAPMO
Today s Objectives At the end of today s seminar you should be better able to: Recognize the causes of Sewer Lateral backup Identify techniques to protect tyour home from Sewer Lateral backup IdentifyBackwater Valves Recognize the causes of Sewer Lateral Blockage or Collapse Identify techniques to protect your home from Sewer Lateral Blockage
Health and Safety Be careful when cleaning your basement! Floodwater may carry: Waterborne Diseases Corrosive Agents Irritants Sharp Objects Possibility of Electrical Accidents Dress appropriately
HOUSE PLUMBING
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WHY IS THERE A SEWER BACKUP IN MY BASEMENT? 6
Two Major Causes 1. Sewer Lateral Backup 2. Sewer Lateral Blockage or Collapse
What is a Sewer Lateral? 8
SEWER LATERAL BACKUP 9
What Causes Sewer Lateral Backup? When large volumes of water that are produced by major storms enter into the sewer lateral, the sewer lateral may back up (surcharge) and overflow. 10
Why does it flood my Basement? When the sewer lateral is surcharged, water backs up through the sanitary connection and flows out of the floor drain within the basement. Lower elevation residences, especially those without adequate backflow protection, are most at risk of experiencing sewer lateral backup. 11
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What does the UPC say? Fixtures installed on a floor level that is lower than the next upstream manhole cover of the public or private sewer shall be protected from back flow of sewage by installing an approved type of backwater valve. 13
How Do I Protect my house from Sewer Lateral Backup? Two techniques 1. Allow the water to back up through the connection and contain it (Containing) 2. Block the path of water at the sanitary connection (Blocking) 14
Technique 1: Containing the Water Temporary Standpipe pp 15
Technique 1: Containing the Water Concrete Dam 16
Technique 2: Blocking the Water Backwater Valve 17
What does the UPC say? Backwater valves must be accessible for inspection and repair Must be enclosed in a masonry pit fitted with an adequately sized removable cover. 18
BACKWATER VALVES 19
How does a Backwater Valve Work? A backwater valve is typically installed on the sewer lateral that connects the building to the public sewer in the street. A properly operating backwater valve allows flow to only go in one direction (out), preventing wastewater from entering your building during regular maintenance of the public sewer system or backups caused by storms. 21
How does a Backwater Valve Work? http://www.backwaterval ve.com/products/fullport backwater valve.html 22
Where should a Backwater Valve be located? http://drpipe.ca/drain cleaning intoronto/sewer backwater valves/ 23
How is a Backwater Valve Installed? http://www.backwatervalves.com/back water valves.asp 24
Other Facts Backwater Valve and Manual Gate Valve 25
Other Facts Combination Floor Drain and Backwater Valve 26
SEWER LATERAL BLOCKAGE OR COLLAPSE 27
If your sewer lateral is blocked for any reason, your household waste has nowhere else to go and backs up into your building. Two common causes of blockage are: Disposal of cooking fats, oils and grease (FOG) down your drain, and; clogging from tree roots 28
Fat, Oil, and Grease Blockage Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are an expensive problem for sewer systems. Cooking grease coats pipelines similar to the way that fatty foods clog human arteries. The grease clings to the inside of the pipe lines, eventually causing complete blockage. 29
Fat, Oil, and Grease Blockage http://www.bbwsd.com/node/213 30
Clogging from Tree Roots 31
If the sewer lateral is broken or collapsed, your sanitary waste and drainage cannot be effectively carried to the public sewer in the street. In this case, a plumber will have to dig up the sewer lateral land replace the broken portion. One way to determine if your sewer lateral is clogged or collapsed is to hire a plumber to do a TV inspection of the line using a small, remotely operated camera. 32
Avoiding Sewer Lateral Problems 1. Do not pour fats, oils and grease down your drain. 2. Plant trees several feet away from sewer laterals. 3. Keep your sewer lateral clear of roots by occasionally flushing a small quantity of copper sulfate crystals in a toilet. 4. Have a licensed plumber clean your sewer lateral at regular intervals. 5. Be careful when doing any type of digging or construction in your yard 33
Thank You QUESTIONS? 34
For More Information DC Water and Sewer Emergency Line (202) 612-3400 DC Water Office of Risk Management (202) 787-2052 35