Sewage backup in a house is one of those unfortunate events that can certainly ruin your day Besides the obvious inconveniences, sewer backup may pose great risks to your health. However, you can avoid the trouble altogether or at least limit the damage, if you know some helpful information and remember to contact a professional sewer cleanup crew like Ally1 Disaster Solutions.
What Causes Sewage Backup
Backups usually result from problems in the sewer systems or the septic systems treating domestic wastewater. The typical reasons for a sewage backup fall into three main categories:
Clogging. Sewage backups are common occurrences when a sewer line is clogged.
Tree Roots. Although it is somewhat hard to believe, the roots of large trees in the proximity of a sewer line can often cause severe problems. They can literally grow into the pipes and cause holes and blockages or they may wrap around the sewer line and crush it;
Damaged Sewer Lines. If your property is old and the plumbing and sewer systems have not been recently
Risks Posed By Sewage Backup
Leaving aside all the repulsive dirt and smell involved in a sewage backup, the problem can cause much greater harm if not addressed timely and properly.
Health Hazards: Water contaminated with sewage usually contains a variety of bacteria, viruses, and germs that are harmful to your health.
Fire Hazards: If the water level has reached any plugs, electrical outlets, extension cords, or gas-burning equipment, do not touch anything! Get out of the building immediately and call in professional. The risks posed by a fire are enormous.
If all your electrical equipment, as well as the distribution panel, is still safely above water, switch off the power as soon as you detect the problem.
Property Damage
If your property remains under sewage water for long, the damage will be extensive. This is why it is important to act fast and call in a professional as soon and you discover the backup.
How To Prevent Sewage Backup
Proper sewage backup prevention measures can save you from a lot of trouble. So, you are advised to:
- Regularly inspect and maintain all the pipes and valves on your property
- Keep the drains “clean” – don’t flush napkins, tissues, diapers, and other waste down the toilet and avoid disposing of grease down the kitchen drain (grease and fat can harden within the plumbing and collect debris to create a clog)
- Avoid planting trees directly above or near sewer lines
- Have a sump pump in good working condition
What To Do After Sewage Backup
If you take quick and efficient measures, you have a chance at preventing further damage.
1) Do not flush toilets or attempt to drain tubs and sinks – just don’t use the water supply system in your home until the problem has been detected and taken care of;
2) Do not use harsh chemicals in an attempt to unclog the draining system quickly and easily. They can damage your pipes and sewer lines and make the matters worse.
3) Keep children and pets away from the affected area
4) If it is still safe, shut off the power. Otherwise, don’t go near electrical equipment
5) Wear protective clothing: gloves, eyeglasses, rubber boots and a facemask
6) Open windows to allow fresh air in and ventilate well to remove any fumes
7) Call for professional assistance.
Professional water damage mitigation services, such as have the proper training and equipment to get the job done correctly and efficiently. Their timely assistance will save you from great troubles and will help you quickly get back to your daily routine.
