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Jackson Heights, Queens
Basement drains in attached houses can back up when the sewer line is blocked. JPR Plumbing helps Jackson Heights homeowners locate the blockage and get wastewater flowing again, and helps co-op owners understand whether a problem is in their unit or the building’s line. Call (833) 603-1840.
Every drain in a house or building connects to a sewer line, sometimes called the lateral, that carries wastewater to the City sewer under the street. When that line is blocked, damaged, or overwhelmed by storm water, wastewater has nowhere to go and comes back up through the lowest drains in the building.
In attached and semi-detached houses, that is usually a basement floor drain or a lower-level toilet or shower. In co-op buildings, the main sewer lines are typically the building’s responsibility. A sewer backup plumber finds out where the problem is and what is causing it. See all of our services on the JPR Plumbing homepage.
Here are the common signs of a sewer line problem, what usually causes them, and how a plumber can help.
What to know
Damaged sections may need repair, and a plumber can explain how to lower the chance of future backups.
Wastewater rising through a basement floor drain is a classic sign of a blocked sewer line.
When every fixture drains slowly together, the blockage is likely in the main line.
A lasting sewer odor can come from a blockage, a dry trap, or a damaged pipe.
Grease poured down sinks is the leading cause of confirmed sewer backups in NYC sewers. It builds up over time until wastewater can no longer pass.
Roots from trees on tree-lined blocks can enter older sewer lines through cracks and joints.
Older sewer lines can crack, sag, or separate at joints over time. Low spots in a sagging line can collect waste and cause repeat backups.
A plumber checks where the backup is happening and whether it is in your lateral or the City sewer.
The line may be cleared with professional equipment, depending on the cause.
Stop using water and stay away from the wastewater, then call (833) 603-1840.
Jackson Heights considerations
Tree-lined streets, older sewer laterals, and shared buildings all play a role in backups here.
NYC DEP’s plan to prevent sewer backups says the private sewer lateral is the property owner’s responsibility, including root damage, and that plumbers can check the condition of a house lateral.
Street and yard trees are part of the neighborhood’s character, but roots can find their way into older sewer lines. If backups keep coming back, roots in the line may be part of the problem.
Co-op Buildings. If you own a co-op unit, contact your managing agent about backups, since main sewer lines are usually maintained by the building. Building staff can arrange for the main line to be checked.
Avoid contact with sewage, keep children and pets away, and stop using water until the line is checked.
Sewer backup work can range from clearing a clog to repairing a damaged section of pipe. Factors include:
A plumber can explain the likely work once the cause and location are known. Getting the cause right helps avoid paying for the wrong fix.
Backups, clogs, and basement water often go together. You can also explore all of our plumbing services in Jackson Heights. Related services include:
We serve homeowners and unit owners across Jackson Heights, including the garden apartment blocks around 34th and 37th Avenues and the streets near Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard. Contact us to confirm availability at your address.
Questions
Stop running water and flushing, keep people and pets away from the wastewater, and call a plumber or your building management.
NYC DEP says the private sewer lateral is the property owner’s responsibility, including damage from roots.
DEP says grease is the main cause of confirmed backups in City sewers. Keep grease and wipes out of drains.
Yes. Roots can enter older lines through small cracks and joints and trap waste over time.
A plumber can check your lateral. If the blockage is in the City sewer, report it to 311 so DEP can investigate.
Contact your managing agent or superintendent first, since the building usually maintains the main sewer lines.
Sewage can carry germs. Avoid contact, keep children and pets away, and clean and disinfect affected areas.
Helpful plumbing articles: These guides answer two common questions: What should you do if sewage backs up? and What are the warning signs of a sewer line problem?
Call (833) 603-1840, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., or send us a request online. Tell us where the sewage is coming up and whether it started during rain.
