When sewage backups occur at home, it’s always best to call for professional sewage backup cleanup services to solve the issue. However, it does not stop there; after experts lend their hands to alleviate worst-case scenarios, it is up to every household to maintain a well-kept sewage system at home.
Although they are not as disastrous as fires or tornados, sewage backups can still cause various health hazards and sanitation issues along with property damage. Thus, it would be best if you deal with them efficiently and immediately.
Common Causes of Sewage Backups
The first step to solving a sewage backup problem is finding its root cause.
You can consult sewage back cleanup professionals to identify the reasons that led to the situation, so you can apply some steps in limiting – and even preventing – the damage that could harm you and your property in the future.
Nonetheless, sewage backup usually occurs because of the following reasons:
1. Flooding
Heavy rains can result in sewage backups, particularly in sewer lines connected to municipal sewer systems. Some cities have wastewater systems that separate sewage and rainfall, while some have a combined sewer system. When the latter gets full after heavy rain, it forces water and sewage up through its connections in the structure, requiring immediate sewage backup fix.
Even if water does not reach your home, it can still affect your sewer line. Your sewer system can overflow if the pump station gets flooded, and it will be even worse due to a power outage, as electricity runs several sewer plants to keep return valves sealed. If your sewer system stops functioning and cannot handle the wastewater, all the waste can flow back to your pipes.
2. Clogged Drains
If something is blocking your sewage – or prevents it from flowing correctly – it may cause wastewater to rise back up to the drains in your home. Usually, homeowners who leave trash or things like plastic and solid debris down the drains or toilet bowls cause this, which results in a clog and eventually sewage backup.
3. Old or Broken Sewer Lines
Broken sewer lines are usually present in old homes, where damaged sewer pipes can cause blockage. Your sewer line can be made of PVC, Orangeburg, or even clay, depending on how old your house is. Among the three, PVC has the most extended lifespan – a century, while the others usually last for 30 to 60 years. Nonetheless, pipes can crack unexpectedly, and this can lead to sewage backup.
4. Tree Roots
Tree roots can grow into pipes and damage your sewer drainage. They do so by either busting, pinching, or redirecting it, and they can even go as far as to wrap around your mainline and crush it – requiring major sewage backup cleanup as well as a complete replacement of your sewer line.
Preventing Sewage Backups
If you’ve experienced this problem in the past, then you understand why it’s essential to know how to clean after sewage backup and, more importantly, prevent it. Fortunately for homeowners like you, preventing sewer backups is simple. By applying the necessary measures, you can prevent the unpleasant situation from happening again.
You can start with the following steps to prevent a sewage backup:
- You can have a sewer backup valve or a backflow prevention device – known as a backwater valve – installed between your house and the city’s main sewer. This installation allows wastewater to flow away from your house – preventing sewer backups.
- For pipe blockages, you need to keep your sewer system clear from the following:
- Fat deposits – Pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain allows them to enter the sewer system, where they harden, cool, and stick to the pipe’s inner walls. Over time, these substances build up inside the pipes and become sewer blockages.
- Plant roots – Tree roots often grow towards areas where there is moisture and nutrient sources. They may either seep through a crack or grow strong enough to eventually move through the pipeline and break it apart.
- Unflushable items – These items include baby wipes, dental floss, feminine products, and diapers. Proper disposal of each would be through the trash can, not the toilet.
- Broken pipes – Broken or ruptured sewer pipes result in frequent backups due to the improper draining of sewage.
- Keep chemical products like chemical drain cleaners, formalin, latex paint, and hydrogen peroxide from flowing down your sewage system.
- Hire a professional plumber to inspect your sewage lines with their special equipment if you notice possible concerns with drainage or for regular pipe inspection every couple of years. Ensure that they are in good condition; otherwise, request for professional sewer backup cleanup.
When to Call Professional Help
When your pipes have been repaired and cleared from blockage, it’s time to do a personal cleanup. Remember to wear the necessary protective equipment for your eyes, nose, and mouth, such as safety goggles, N95 masks, thick rubber gloves, and boots. After cleaning the area, do your laundry, take a hot shower, and use antibacterial soap.
Nonetheless, if your home suffers from a damaged sewage system, it’s best to call experts for sewage backup cleanup services. Although you can participate at the beginning of the cleaning process, leave it to the professionals to get the job done more efficiently and safely.
At Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration, you can have that peace of mind that we can get the job done for you while restoring any damage at the soonest possible time. You can rest easy knowing that our experts for water damage restoration services in Dallas, TX, are always ready to give you a hand. Call us today for inquiries about our services.
