What happens when your sewer backs up? If the blockage is on your side of the sewer line, you'll need to call a plumber because the municipality is not responsible for taking care of your clogs. If, however, the problem is not on your side of the line, you can call the City of Calgary and get assistance.

Actually, the city provides a good role model for homeowners to emulate when it comes to sewer and drain maintenance. The City of Calgary, a recognized leader in wastewater management, regularly cleans its sewer lines. They also inspect and monitor the sewer system for problems using video equipment. When a situation beyond their control does occur, they take corrective action.

Now apply those lessons to the drains in your home and the sewer lines they are connected to. If you clean your drains regularly, you will minimize the chances of clogs. Prevention is also important. If you keep grease out of your kitchen drain, you will reduce the risk of a serious clog that can lead to a backup. If you avoid flushing paper products, other than toilet paper, down your drain, you will help prevent potential problems. If you use a screen to catch hair in your bathtub drains, you can avoid hair clogs.

Of course, you too may face situations that are beyond your control, like tree roots growing through your sewer lines and causing a sewer backup. To resolve this problem you will need video equipment and the expertise of a professional, just like the City.

Minor drain clogs usually don't require the services of a plumber, but a sewer backup definitely does. To clear a clog in the sewer line, you need to know what is causing the problem and where the problem is located. Your plumber should have special video equipment to see down the line and determine the source and location of the blockage.

Once you have determined where the block is, you will need to do something about it. Obviously leaving will only do more damage and can cause a bigger problem. At the very least, you will probably have to repair cracks in the sewer line so be sure to act before it gets worse. In the worst case scenario, you'll have to replace the sewer line. Be sure to ask your plumber about the newest technologies to replace lines without digging up your yard. Make sure you have consulted a professional because the job at hand is tedious and if not done properly can lead to more damage and hassle later on.

Sewer backups are inconvenient, potentially messy, and beyond the capabilities of most homeowners to resolve. Like the City of Calgary, plumbers have the right equipment and skills to clear your sewer lines and get your water flowing again. If you have recurring problems with backups and slow drains, and have attempted unsuccessfully to combat them with drain cleaner or a plunger, the problem may be in the sewer line. Call your local plumber to find out for sure.