Sewage can back up into a basement during heavy rain when the sewer system fills faster than it can drain. When that happens, wastewater may have nowhere to go and can push back up through the lowest drains in a building, such as basement floor drains, toilets or sinks.
Much of New York City is served by sewers that carry both rainwater and wastewater in the same pipes. In a strong storm, those pipes can fill quickly. A backup during rain does not always mean something is wrong with your own plumbing, but it can still be messy and unsafe.
Why the Lowest Drains Are Affected First
Water seeks the lowest open point. If the sewer is full, a basement drain may be lower than the level of the water in the system. That makes it the easiest place for wastewater to come out.
A building’s own sewer line can also play a part. A partial blockage, buildup or a damaged section may make backups more likely during a storm. Finding out whether the cause is inside the property or in the city sewer usually takes a closer look.
Staying Safe During a Rain-Related Backup
Treat any water coming up from a drain as wastewater. Avoid touching it, keep children and pets away, and do not walk through it if you can avoid it. Stay away from outlets, appliances or electrical panels in wet areas.
Limit water use in the building while the backup is active, since water from sinks, toilets and washers adds to the problem. If you have accidental contact with the water, wash with soap and clean water.
Do not open cleanouts or remove drain covers to try to let water out. Do not pour chemicals into the drain or mix cleaning products.
Reporting and Next Steps
The NYC 311 sewer backup page explains that property owners can report a sewer backup during or after a weather event, even if the water has already gone down. The city can then check whether the problem is in the public sewer. Tenants should tell their landlord or building manager.
Once the water is gone, a plumber can check your drain and sewer line for blockages or other issues. Some owners also ask about a backwater valve, a device that is designed to help keep sewage from flowing back into a building. Whether one fits your property depends on the plumbing, and installing one may require a permit.
Cleaning up after sewage is a separate job. For large or heavily soiled areas, a professional cleaning company may be the safer choice.
If rain sent sewage into your Bronx basement, we can provide help after a sewer backup by checking the plumbing side of the problem. Call (929) 209-6183, day or night.
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