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Author:
Kurt P (NY)
Questions Re: Sewer problem:
If my check valve is activitated when the city line backs up will I have to wait until the water goes down or can I use a snake to unblock the city line?
If a snake can be used, are there any dangers (gas, sewer emission) to me or a plumber?
If I were to open the drain to begin snaking, sewer/water would shoot out right?
What are the first signs inside the house that the check valve has been activitated when the city sewer line backs up?
Someone told me that a pump can be installed to alleviate the back up problem. Is this right?
I know I have asked a lot of questions but I would appreciate it if you could give me some insights as the plumbers I have contacted are of differing opinions. Thanks.
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Author:
calsplumbing (CA)
Sounds like you have a backwater valve like Lemon said. If the city line is backed up do not attempt to snake the line thru your backwater valve, you will have sewage everywhere. Happened to me one time when the backwater valve was buried without access. It would be nice if there was a cleanout on either side of the backwater valve, then you could determine if the city line was the problem or if your line was the problem. A pumping system may be helpful but have the city take care of their issues first. When the lowest fixtures in the house start bubbling and gurgling that is a sign of a mainline stoppage. Good Luck.
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Author:
hj
If my check valve is activitated when the city line backs up will I have to wait until the water goes down or can I use a snake to unblock the city line?
Yes you will, and either a snake will be ineffective or you would not have one adequate to do it. It depends on why the sewer is backing up. But you could incur some liability if you were to try to snake the city's sewer.
If a snake can be used, are there any dangers (gas, sewer emission) to me or a plumber?
yes. the snake will be trapped by the valve. This could damage the snake or the valve, and could injure the plumber.
If I were to open the drain to begin snaking, sewer/water would shoot out right?
Absolutely.
What are the first signs inside the house that the check valve has been activitated when the city sewer line backs up?
Water flooding on the basement floor anytime you use a sink or flush a toilet.
Someone told me that a pump can be installed to alleviate the back up problem. Is this right?
Yes, if it is installed properly.
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
kurt the answer did not change since the last time you asked.yes if the sewer your line is connected to is backed up ,you cannot feed water into it,unless the water you are feeding into it is at a higher pressure than the water in the piping that you are connected to.Here is the real problem/why would you still have this issue after three weeks?You could post pictures of the main drain lines of your home.This may help to see if it would be possible to set up a plumbing system that would work under force main conditions.Good Luck.
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