How City Sewer Failures Lead to Backflow Incidents

City sewer systems are designed to move wastewater away from homes and businesses into treatment plants. However, when the system becomes overloaded or compromised, such as during heavy rainfall, flooding, or mechanical malfunctions, it can cause wastewater to flow in the opposite direction—right back into homes through toilets, sinks, and drains.

Some common causes of city sewer issues include:

• Aging infrastructure: Many U.S. cities have aging sewer systems that are over 100 years old. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), much of this infrastructure is deteriorating, with some areas having sewer pipes made from outdated materials like clay or brick.

• Heavy rain and flooding: When storms bring excessive rain, water can overwhelm the city’s combined stormwater and sewage systems. This leads to backflow as the water has nowhere else to go but back into homes and streets.

• Sewer blockages: Even in normal weather conditions, blockages in sewer lines—often caused by grease, tree roots, or debris—can cause backflow.

• Power outages: Tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can lead to citywide power outages that disrupt the operation of sewer pumps. Without these pumps functioning, sewage can back up into homes.

Notable Sewer Backflow Incidents

There are numerous examples of backflow incidents caused by city sewer issues:

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1993): During a heavy rainstorm, Milwaukee’s combined sewer system was overwhelmed, causing nearly 800 million gallons of sewage to back up into basements across the city. Many homes were left uninhabitable due to raw sewage contamination.

• Detroit, Michigan (2014): Heavy rains caused a city sewer line to overflow, resulting in the backflow of sewage into hundreds of homes. Residents experienced massive property damage, and the city spent millions in compensation claims.

• Houston, Texas (2017): In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Houston’s sewage system was completely overwhelmed. Thousands of homes experienced backflow incidents as the city’s wastewater facilities were flooded and could not handle the volume of water.

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2019): Heavy rainfall and aging infrastructure led to multiple neighborhoods in Philadelphia experiencing backflow incidents. Over 1,200 properties were impacted, with many homeowners reporting up to two feet of sewage in their basements.

The Financial and Health Impact of Sewer Backflow

Sewer backflow is not just an unpleasant inconvenience—it’s a serious financial and health risk. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), water damage and sewer backup claims average between $6,965 and $8,439 per incident. For homes with basements, the cost can be even higher, especially if sewage contaminates personal belongings, furniture, and electronics.

But the financial cost is just the beginning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that sewage backflow into homes can expose residents to harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These pathogens can lead to serious illnesses, such as gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, and skin infections.

Protecting Your Home with a Temporary Sewer Backflow Device

Given the frequency of sewer backflow incidents and the risks involved, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your home. One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing a Temporary Sewer Backflow Prevention Unit. This device acts as a barrier between your home and the city sewer line, preventing sewage from flowing back into your property during an overflow or malfunction.

The Temporary Sewer Backflow Prevention Unit is:

• Easy to install: It takes less than 5 minutes to set up and can be installed without the need for a plumber.

• Effective: Once in place, it prevents sewage from entering your home during a backflow event, keeping your property safe and clean.

• Portable: In the event you need to relocate or protect multiple properties, the device can be easily removed and reinstalled.

Final Thoughts

City sewer malfunctions are more common than most homeowners realize, and they often occur with little warning. Protecting your home from backflow incidents is not just about preventing damage—it's about safeguarding your family from health risks and ensuring that you’re not left with costly repairs.

By investing in a Temporary Sewer Backflow Prevention Unit, you can take proactive steps to shield your home from the threat of sewer backflow caused by city issues. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—be prepared, and keep your home and loved ones safe.