Clean Pipes, Happy Life: Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Sewer Woes

Let’s be honest — nobody wants to deal with a sewer backup. It’s messy, smelly, and stressful. But here’s the good news: with the right preventative maintenance, you can reduce your risk and keep things flowing smoothly where they belong.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or commercial property manager, being proactive about your plumbing system isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Here’s what you need to know to keep those pipes happy (and your property protected).

The Dirty Truth About Sewer Backups

Sewer backups are more common than you’d think, especially in older homes and commercial buildings across BC. Between aging infrastructure, seasonal rain, and good old-fashioned bad luck (hello, tree roots), backups can sneak up fast and do some serious damage.

That’s where prevention comes in. A little routine maintenance goes a long way in avoiding costly repairs, insurance claims, and foul odours wafting through your basement.

---

7 Simple Ways to Prevent Sewer Trouble

Want to stay ahead of sewer issues? Add these tasks to your property maintenance checklist:

1. Install a Backwater Valve
   This handy device prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rain or main line overloads. A must-have for homes in flood-prone or low-lying areas.

2. Schedule Regular Drain Inspections
   A yearly check-up with a licensed plumber can help catch small blockages or pipe deterioration before they become big (and expensive) problems.

3. Watch What You Flush
   Toilet paper = okay. “Flushable” wipes, grease, paper towels, feminine products = nope. These are top offenders when it comes to clogs and backups.

4. Use Drain Screens
   In kitchens and showers, drain screens can catch hair, food, and other debris, keeping them out of your pipes in the first place.

5. Be Tree-Root Aware
   Got mature trees on your property? Their roots love sewer lines. A camera inspection can spot root intrusion early, and root-killing solutions can help stop growth before it cracks your pipes.

6. Check Your Sump Pump
   While technically a flood prevention tool, a properly working sump pump can help keep your basement dry, especially when heavy rain hits and sewer systems are overwhelmed.

7. Know the Warning Signs
   Gurgling toilets, slow drains, or bad smells? Don’t ignore them. These are often the early signs of a blockage or sewer line issue.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough, We’re Ready

Even with the best intentions, sewer backups can still happen—and when they do, Ultrawest Restoration is here to help.

From emergency cleanup to full-scale restoration, we’re fast, professional, and thorough. We work with homeowners, landlords, and commercial property managers across Quesnel, Prince George, Williams Lake, and 100 Mile House to minimize damage and get properties back to normal — fast.

And yes, we handle the not-so-fun stuff, so you don’t have to. Whether it's a small backup or a large-scale commercial mess, our team has the experience, equipment, and expertise to manage the cleanup safely and efficiently.

---

Proactive Now, Peace of Mind Later

A sewer backup may never be glamorous — but avoiding one? That’s a win worth celebrating. By taking a few simple preventative steps, you can protect your home or business, save money, and skip the stress of an emergency call.

But if disaster strikes, don’t panic — Ultrawest Restoration has your back. We’re the go-to restoration crew for a reason.

Have questions or want to schedule a consultation? Contact us today, we’re here when you need us.