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…
To prepare for a sewer line cleaning visit, clear a path to the cleanout or basement area, limit water use if drains are backing up, and gather details about the problem. A little preparation can help the plumber get started sooner and keep the work area cleaner. Sewer line cleaning usually takes place where the…
Yes, flushable wipes can be bad for sewer lines. They may pass through the toilet without trouble, but they do not break apart the way toilet paper does, so they can snag, collect grease and help form blockages farther down the line. Many people are surprised to learn this, since the package says the wipes…
A sewer cleanout is a capped opening on a building’s drain or sewer line that gives a plumber access to the pipe. It lets the line be cleared or checked without removing a toilet or opening a wall or floor. Many property owners never notice their cleanout until there is a backup. Knowing what it…
Many people can stay in their home during sewer line repair, but they may not be able to use sinks, toilets, showers or appliances that drain while parts of the work are underway. How much the work affects daily life depends on where the problem is, how much of the line is involved and how…
It can be a good idea to have the sewer line checked before buying a Bronx home, especially if the house is older or has a history of drain problems. A standard home inspection may not look closely at the private sewer line, and repairs to that line are usually the owner’s responsibility. The sewer…
Before sewer line repair, ask what problem was found, how it was confirmed, and what repair options make sense for that part of the line. Clear answers help you understand the work, compare choices and avoid surprises. Sewer repairs can be a large decision for a homeowner or building owner. Asking the right questions up…
When tenants report a drain backup, a property manager should find out quickly how many units are affected, ask residents on that line to limit water use, and arrange for a plumber to check the drain. Acting fast can keep a backup in one apartment from spreading to others. In a multifamily building, one blocked…
When a kitchen drain backs up during service, a restaurant should stop sending water to the affected drains, keep wastewater away from food and food-prep areas, and call for drain help as soon as possible. Trying to keep cooking around a backup can spread the problem and put food safety at risk. Busy commercial kitchens…
If a floor drain starts overflowing, stop using water in the building, keep people and pets away from the water and get prompt help from a plumber. The water coming up may contain wastewater, so avoid touching it and stay clear of any electrical equipment nearby. Floor drains are often found in basements, laundry rooms,…