How to Prevent Sewer Backups in Commercial Properties

Sewer Backups Can Disrupt Business & Cost Thousands

For commercial properties, a sewer backup isn’t just an inconvenience—it can halt operations, cause property damage, and lead to expensive cleanup costs. Whether you manage a restaurant, office building, shopping center, or industrial facility, maintaining your sewer system is crucial to avoiding unexpected disruptions.

At Green Earth Environmental, we specialize in CCTV sewer inspections, flush vacuum cleaning, and hydro excavation, helping businesses prevent costly sewer failures before they happen.

Common Causes of Sewer Backups in Commercial Buildings

✔ Grease & Debris Build-Up – Restaurants and food service businesses often experience grease accumulation, leading to major blockages.

✔ Tree Root Intrusion – Older properties with large trees are at risk of roots growing into sewer lines, causing cracks and obstructions.

✔ Flushed Non-Biodegradable Items – Offices, shopping centers, and hotels often experience blockages from wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products being flushed into the system.

✔ Collapsed or Aging Pipes – Many commercial buildings rely on older sewer lines that can crack, collapse, or shift over time, restricting wastewater flow.

✔ Stormwater Overload – Heavy rain or poor drainage design can cause excessive water flow, leading to backups and flooding.

Preventative Steps to Keep Your Sewer System Running Smoothly

1. Schedule Regular CCTV Sewer Inspections

• A CCTV sewer inspection uses high-resolution cameras to identify blockages, cracks, and root intrusions before they become major issues.
• Commercial properties should schedule inspections at least once a year to stay ahead of potential problems.

2. Implement Routine Flush Vacuum Cleaning

• High-pressure water jetting and vacuum removal keep sewer lines clear of grease, debris, and sediment buildup.
• Preventative cleaning reduces the risk of backups and extends the life of your pipes.

3. Install Grease Traps & Maintain Them Properly

• For restaurants, hotels, and food service businesses, installing and regularly cleaning grease traps prevents fat, oil, and grease (FOG) buildup.
• Failure to maintain grease traps is one of the leading causes of sewer blockages in commercial kitchens.

4. Educate Employees & Tenants on Proper Waste Disposal

• Provide signage in restrooms and kitchens to remind staff and tenants what NOT to flush.
• Set up regular maintenance checklists for property managers and business owners.

5. Upgrade Aging Sewer Lines

• If your building is over 30 years old, have a sewer condition assessment to determine if repairs or pipe replacements are needed.
• Trenchless rehabilitation techniques, such as CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) lining, can extend the lifespan of older sewer systems without full excavation.

Why Choose Green Earth Environmental for Commercial Sewer Maintenance?

At Green Earth Environmental, we help commercial property owners prevent sewer backups and keep their buildings running smoothly with:
✅ CCTV sewer inspections to detect issues before they become emergencies.
✅ Flush vacuum cleaning to remove blockages and improve sewer flow.
✅ Hydro excavation for safe, non-invasive digging around underground utilities.
✅ Preventative maintenance plans tailored to commercial properties.

📞 Protect your business from costly sewer backups! Contact Green Earth Environmental today to schedule a professional sewer inspection and maintenance service.