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How to Avoid a Sewer Backup
How to Avoid a Sewer Backup
4.8 RATING

How to Avoid a Sewer Backup

Few plumbing problems are worse than a sewer backup. This occurs when wastewater and sewage flow in the opposite direction they're intended to

August 08, 2026
How to Avoid a Sewer Backup

Few plumbing problems are worse than a sewer backup. This occurs when wastewater and sewage flow in the opposite direction they’re intended to, typically up through drains, toilets, or sinks in your home. It’s a messy and potentially hazardous situation due to the unsanitary nature of sewage. A sewer backup is not pleasant to think about, but you can take precautionary measures to avoid it.

What You Should do if You Have a Sewer Backup

Locate your main water shut-off valve and tu it off. This prevents further wastewater flow and minimizes potential damage. If possible, do not use drains or toilets because flushing toilets or using drains can worsen the backup and spread contamination. Then, contact a licensed plumber as soon as you can. They have the expertise and equipment to safely diagnose the cause of the backup and clear the blockage.

If you’re dealing with a sewer backup or need professional help with preventing sewer backups, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is one phone call away. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’re here to help with all your residential and commercial plumbing needs.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a premier plumbing company offering superior-quality sewer line services, including sewer repair, trenchless sewer line replacement, sewer line cleaning, and more. In today’s blog post, we’ll outline what you need to do to prevent sewer backups. Let’s get into it.

  • Dispose Of Grease, Fats, And Oil Properly

Never pour grease, fats, or oil directly down the drain. These substances solidify as they cool, and they can easily clog pipes. Let grease cool and solidify, then scrape it into a container and dispose of it in the trash. Install a grease trap under your kitchen sink to capture grease before it enters the main drain.

  • Install Drain Traps

Drain traps act as a first line of defense against blockages. Food scraps, hair, and other debris that might slip through the drain can get caught somewhere along the drain pipes, preventing them from entering the main sewer line and causing bigger clogs further down. Consider installing drain traps in your sinks and other drains. These traps catch food scraps and other debris before they enter the main drain. Make sure you clean the traps regularly to prevent buildup and potential clogs.

  • Clean Drains Regularly

Regularly cleaning your drains might not be the most glamorous home maintenance task, but it’s a crucial step in preventing major plumbing problems and saving yourself money and hassle in the long run. Schedule professional drain cleaning at least every 1-2 years, or more often if you have frequent backups or slow drainage. For minor clogs, you can try using a drain snake or a baking soda and vinegar solution to clear them yourself. If you’re dealing with slow-draining fixtures and your DIY efforts don’t seem to resolve the problem, call a nearby plumbing repair service to perform professional drain cleaning.

  • Get a Sewer Line Inspection

Consider having your sewer line inspected every 2-3 years, especially if you have older pipes or suspect potential problems. A sewer line inspection can help you identify potential issues like cracks, root intrusion, or blockages before they cause major backups.

  • Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

It may seem convenient to flush certain items down the toilet, but remember that your toilet is not a garbage can. Flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet can easily clog the system. Only flush toilet paper and avoid flushing wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, or other non-biodegradable items. These items can clog pipes and cause backups. Furthermore, flushing non-flushable items down the toilet wastes water.

  • Replace Old Sewer Lines

Aging sewer lines are more susceptible to blockages. If your sewer line is old (over 50 years old), cracked, or frequently clogged, consider replacing it to prevent sewer backups. Hire a trusted plumbing service that specializes in trenchless sewer line replacement to help you install a new sewer line. Experienced plumbers will help you choose a durable material for your new sewer line.

  • Use Your Garbage Disposal Correctly

Many homeowners treat their garbage disposals as trash cans and end up leaing the hard way. Improper garbage disposal use can cause all sorts of plumbing issues, including slow drains and sewer line blockages. To avoid problems, only grind small amounts of food waste at a time and run cold water while doing so. Don’t put fibrous materials like celery or banana peels or greasy items like bones or meat scraps down the disposal, as they can clog pipes.

  • Install A Backwater Prevention Valve

This valve prevents sewage from backing up into your home plumbing system in case of a blockage in the main sewer line. Installation should be done by a licensed plumber to ensure proper functionality and compliance with local regulations.

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