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Ozone Park, Queens
Sewage coming up through a basement drain is a health risk for everyone in the house. JPR Plumbing helps Ozone Park homeowners find out why the sewer line is backing up and clear it, whether the problem started upstairs or down. Call (833) 603-1840.
A sewer backup happens when wastewater can’t flow out to the city sewer and comes back up through the lowest drains in the house. In Ozone Park, that is usually a basement floor drain, a basement bathroom, or a laundry sink.
In a two-family home, both units usually drain into one sewer line that runs from the house to the city sewer under the street. A blockage anywhere in that line can cause backups in the basement first. This is why a sewer problem can affect a basement tenant even when they did nothing to cause it. Finding the blockage quickly protects both households. You can see our full list of JPR Plumbing services on our homepage.
These are the warning signs of a sewer backup, the most common causes, and how a plumber works to clear the line and restore flow.
What to know
If the pipe is damaged, the plumber explains what repair is needed and what it involves.
Dirty water rising from a basement floor drain or shower is the most common sign of a blocked sewer line.
When drains in both units slow down together, the shared line may be partly blocked.
A sewer odor near basement drains can mean wastewater isn't flowing away as it should.
Grease from kitchens and debris like wipes can build up in the line until it closes.
Roots can enter older sewer lines through cracks, and aging pipes can sag or break.
A blockage near the house trap or cleanout can stop all wastewater from leaving the home.
A plumber checks the cleanout and drains to find where the line is blocked.
Professional tools are used to remove the blockage and get wastewater flowing again.
Ask both units to stop using water, keep people away from the sewage, and call (833) 603-1840.
Ozone Park considerations
Shared sewer lines and busy kitchens make sewer backups a common Ozone Park concern.
NYC DEP’s “Trash It. Don’t Flush It.” campaign announcement reported that grease and debris cause 84 percent of sewer backups in New York City, and that wipes, even those labeled flushable, don’t break down.
Since both units use the same sewer line, both households can help by keeping grease and wipes out of drains. A short note to tenants can make a real difference. DEP also says property owners are responsible for the sewer service line between the house and the city sewer.
Basement Units. Basement units sit closest to the sewer line, so they feel backups first. Keeping belongings off the floor near drains can limit damage. Raising stored items onto shelves helps too.
Stop using water in the house during a sewer backup, keep people and pets away, and clean and disinfect affected areas carefully.
The cost of clearing a sewer backup depends on what is blocking the line and the condition of the pipe. Common factors include:
A plumber can explain what caused the backup and whether the pipe needs repair. If the line keeps backing up, the plumber can talk with you about what might be causing the repeat problem. Photos of the backup can be useful if you contact your insurance company.
Sewer problems often overlap with other drain issues. You can also see all of our plumbing services in Ozone Park. Related services include:
We serve homeowners across Ozone Park and South Ozone Park, from the Liberty Avenue area to the blocks near Aqueduct. Contact us to confirm availability at your address.
Questions
Ask everyone in the house to stop using water, keep people away from the sewage, and call a plumber.
DEP has reported that grease and debris cause 84 percent of sewer backups in the city.
The basement has the lowest drains, so a blocked shared line backs up there first.
DEP says wipes, even ones labeled flushable, don’t break down and can block pipes.
Yes. Roots can grow into older sewer lines through cracks and trap debris.
Sewage can carry germs. Wear protection, keep others away, and disinfect carefully.
It can if the cause isn’t addressed. A plumber can explain how to lower the chance of a repeat.
Call (833) 603-1840, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., or request service online. Tell us which drains are backing up.
