Few things are as unpleasant as dirty water rising through a basement floor drain. In Markham, sewer backups tend to come from two directions. During intense summer storms, the municipal system can become overloaded and water pushes back into homes through the lowest drain. The rest of the year, backups usually start on your own property, caused by tree roots in an old clay lateral, a sag in the line, or years of grease and debris narrowing the pipe.
Either way, we respond around the clock to clear the blockage, find out why it happened and recommend protection so it's less likely to happen again. That might be a simple cleaning, a repair, or a backwater valve that keeps storm surges out.
Sewer Backup Around Markham
Summer storms in Markham can drop a lot of rain in a short time, and when the sewer system is overloaded, homes with basement floor drains feel it first. Older neighbourhoods where weeping tiles still connect to the sanitary sewer are at higher risk, because the foundation drainage adds even more water to the pipe during a storm.
That's why the City of Markham encourages backwater valves, weeping tile disconnection and sump pumps, and offers a rebate program for this work. Remember that pre-approval from the City is required before the work starts. If you've already had a backup, a camera inspection is a good first step so you can plan protection based on the actual condition of your line.
Backups that happen on dry days are a different story. They almost always point to a blockage on your property, often roots or a sag in the lateral, and cleaning plus inspection will show you what's going on.
Signs You Need Sewer Backup
A sewer backup often starts with small warnings. Call us if you notice:
- Water rising in the basement floor drain. This is often the first place a main line blockage shows up.
- Multiple fixtures draining slowly at once. When tubs, sinks and toilets all slow down together, the problem is usually in the main line.
- Gurgling toilets. A toilet that bubbles when the washer drains or a tub empties points to a restricted sewer.
- Sewage smell in the basement. Odours near drains or cleanouts can indicate a partial backup or a dry trap.
- Water appearing in the shower when you flush. Water taking the wrong path is a classic sign of a blocked main.
How We Do It
- 1
Stop using water
We'll ask you to avoid running taps, flushing or using appliances until the line is cleared.
- 2
Access the main cleanout
We locate the cleanout, usually in the basement near the front wall, and relieve the backup.
- 3
Clear the blockage
We cut through roots or debris with the right equipment for your pipe type and condition.
- 4
Camera inspection
With the line flowing, we run a camera to see what caused the backup and record the condition of the pipe.
- 5
Clean up and sanitize guidance
We tidy our work area and advise on safe cleanup of the affected space.
- 6
Recommend prevention
Based on the footage, we'll suggest options such as maintenance cleaning, a repair, or a backwater valve.
Why Choose Markham Plumbing
A backup is a health concern as well as a mess, so speed and honesty matter. We don't stop at clearing the drain. The camera footage shows you exactly what's happening in your line, so any recommendation we make is based on evidence you can see for yourself.
- 24/7 response
- Camera footage you can watch
- Evidence-based recommendations
- Flood protection options
Sewer Backup FAQs
Is a sewer backup the City's problem or mine?
It depends on where the blockage is. The portion of the sewer lateral on your property is generally the homeowner's responsibility. A camera inspection helps show where the problem is located.
Can a backwater valve stop sewer backups?
A backwater valve closes when sewage flows the wrong way, which helps prevent municipal backups during storms. The City of Markham offers a rebate for this work, but pre-approval is required before any work begins.
Is it safe to clean up sewage myself?
Sewage carries bacteria. Wear gloves, boots and eye protection, keep children and pets away and disinfect thoroughly. For larger areas, consider a professional restoration company.
Why do roots keep blocking my sewer?
Roots enter through joints and cracks in older clay pipes. Cleaning removes them, but they grow back. Repairing or lining the damaged section is the long-term solution.