Hello,

Yesterday I had a plumber unclog my main line as my bathtub and toilet would fill up with water backflow whenever we would wash dishes, do laundry, etc.

The water that was backflowing had a significant amount of leaves in it, and I am wondering what would be causing this. My guess is that it is coming from the city sewers, but I am far from being educated when it comes to plumbing...

If so, do I have have grounds for recourse against my city's water and waste department? If not, what else could be causing this?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

I don't believe the leaves are coming from the city sewer. It's more likely the leaves got into your system through the roof vents. Are there a lot of trees on your property? Regards, Tom

I don't believe the leaves are coming from the city sewer. It's more likely the leaves got into your system through the roof vents. Are there a lot of trees on your property? Regards, Tom

Thanks for responding.

I wouldn't say I have a lot of trees, but I do have a couple of very big, mature trees that are naturally losing all of their leaves now that winter is coming. So that is a definite possibility.

If the roof vents (I think I only have 1, is that possible?) are indeed the problem, would it be just as simple as putting some screening over the top?

Hey John (Dillinger) sorry! I couldn't resist.

Most folks screen the vents to keep out critters but screening works for leaves also. Good luck, Tom