The article in the May 20 edition titled “Homeowners left high and dry” reveals one of the many perils of homeownership — sewer backup. Many of the more common emergencies are discussed enough but homes that suffer sewer backup, especially in Lake Hills where there are a lot of hills, leave homeowners defenseless. People just don’t know what to do to limit damage and contamination.

It is like a water leak in reverse. There is one thing for sure to know and one thing for sure to have. First of all, know where your main sewer clean-out is and how to access it. In case of sewer backup, open that clean-out and stuff a bath towel tied to a rope or cord down into the drain. This prevents any more backup. Later it can be removed.

Second, have a wet vacuum. They don’t cost much and they will save a ton of unnecessary clean up. It’s kind of like having a jack for the car.

Dominic Vautier

Bellevue