Prevention

Prevention Tips

Property owners have three effective strategies for preventing costly sewer backups into their homes or businesses.

Maintain your sewer system
You can avoid common problems with proper maintenance. Contact one of our Sewer Smart plumbing partners to schedule a simple and inexpensive (from $50 to $100) sewer inspection to find any hidden problems.
- Find a participating licensed contractor in your area.
- DOs and DON'Ts for keeping your sanitary sewer running smoothly
Consider installing a backflow prevention device
Backflow prevention devices (BPDs) allow water and backup materials to escape from the cleanout rather than flowing into the home.
- More about backflow prevention devices (BPD)
- Frequently asked questions about BPD
Choose and plant trees carefully
Avoid planting trees that can spread roots that invade and clog your system.
- ABAG's sewer smart planning guide

Sanitary sewer systems are designed to handle three types of waste products:

Follow these simple DOs and DON'Ts to help prevent sewer backups and avoid expensive plumbing and cleanup bills

DO:	Collect grease in a container and throw it in the garbage.
DO:	Put food scraps in your compost bin or the garbage for disposal with solid waste.
DO:	Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of items such as disposable diapers and personal hygiene products.
DO:	Use a backflow prevention device (BPD) as needed.
DON'T:	Pour grease, fats and oils from cooking down the drain.
DON'T:	Use the sewer to dispose of food scraps.
DON'T:	Use the toilet as a wastebasket for garbage or chemicals. These items can kill "good" bacteria used for sewage treatment, cost much more to treat, and can enter the Bay.
DON'T:	Plant trees with shallow, spreading root systems near your sewer lateral. Tree roots seek water sources, such as cracked sewer lines. Once the roots have penetrated the line through cracks, the roots can create a dense mat and trap materials. Click here for more info.