Sewer Back Up Again After Major Repair

[Ben Nantell]

Hey BP world - just thought I’d post this as I have been laying awake stressing about the issue all morning. So in December after having my property for two months I had sewage backup in the downstairs tenants shower. After some analysis I hired a company to replace a 3 foot section of pipe and install a front end clean out. Which was incredibly expensive but worth it if it fixed the issue.

Just yesterday my same tenant sent me another picture of the same issue. Just thought I’d see if anyone had any tips on what to say to the company that did the work. I’m hoping and imagine they’d come out and diagnose the situation for free since it’s been less than 6 months. Just wondering if anyone’s dealt with a similar situation?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Joe Splitrock]

Send a camera down and see what is plugging the line. It could be feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes, paper towels or similar. It could also be that the main sewer line needs to be replaced or relined. It could be an issue with the slope on the line causing build up over time. The clean out is useful to clear the line, but you want to keep it from happening again. 

Give notice to all tenants warning them about items that should not be flushed. Only toilet paper and human waste should go in a toilet. Food and grease should never go down the kitchen drain.

What did the companies analysis determine was plugging the drain in December? I would assume they will charge you for repair unless the cause is determined to be workmanship. Talk to them and ask them to diagnose for free, but if it is a blockage due to other sections of pipe or improper waste in the drain, that is going to be on you.

You may also want to call the city and check with them, especially if you had heavy rains before it happened. My city has some lower sections of sewer that create continuous backups in properties. My city has covered the cost of fixing those issues or even removed an entire city block of houses to deal with it. Talk to them just to make sure you are not fighting a bigger known issue.