Can you imagine coming home from an exhausting day at work only to find out that there’s sewage backup in your basement?
There are many reasons why sewage backs up into basements. Regardless of how it occurs, it’s essential to prevent it from happening. Otherwise, you and your property will be in jeopardy.
Whether you live in an area where sewage backup is a common occurrence or are just wanting to prevent it from taking place, we’ve gathered the information you need to know about sewage backups in basements.
What Causes Sewage Backups in Basements
Different factors contribute to the likelihood of sewage backups. Here are some of the common ones:
1. Damaged Sewer Lines
Residential homes with old sewer systems are more prone to experiencing sewage backups in basements. The main reason is that their sewer pipes are made from materials subject to easy damage, such as clay and cast iron. These piping materials collapse and get broken easily, leading to severe damage and backups.
2. Tree Roots
Tree roots protruding from lawns are also among the culprits of sewage backups in basements. They grow excessively and sometimes get entangled with sewer lines. Tree roots can either pierce through or wrap around the sewer pipes. These things can cause sewer lines to get damaged or, in worse cases, burst.
3. Clogs
Sewage backups in basements also occur when there’s clogging in toilets, kitchen sinks, showers, other plumbing fixtures at home, and sewer lines. The parts of a plumbing and sewer system are all connected, so if one gets clogged, there’s an increased likelihood that the others may experience the same thing.
For instance, a clogged sewer line causes a home’s drain pipes to get clogged as well. When these parts become overloaded, wastewater gets pushed back through the sewer lines into basements.
4. Heavy Rainfall or Snowfall
Incessant, heavy rainfall or snowfall puts residential homes and basements at risk of potential backups. Large amounts of water can overrun sewer systems. Once the amount of water gets too much to handle, it flows back into sewer lines and makes its way into basements.
Sewage Backup in Basement Health Risks
Now that you know what causes sewage backups in basements, it’s time to learn about the health risks.
Sewage backups in basements are one of the worst problems that can happen to any property. Aside from the dangers they inflict, they come with serious health risks that can lead to death. Some of the diseases and illnesses spread by sewage include:
- Campylobacteriosis – An infection that involves diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
- Typhoid Fever – A fatal bacterial infection that spreads throughout the body’s organs.
- Cryptosporidiosis – An intestinal infection caused by microscopic parasites.
- Dysentery – An intestinal infection that involves diarrhea containing mucus or blood.
- Salmonellosis – An infection that involves colds, chills, headaches, stomach pain, and fever.
- Gastroenteritis – A short-term illness triggered by inflammation or infection in the digestive system.
- Hepatitis A – A liver infection that involves diarrhea, upset stomach, yellow skin and eyes, and stomach pain.
- Giardiasis – A diarrheal disease that involves dehydration, greasy and foul-smelling poop, and nausea.
- Leptospirosis – A bacterial disease that can lead to meningitis, liver failure, kidney damage, respiratory distress, and, in worst-case scenarios, death.
- Coronavirus Disease – An infectious disease known for causing fatigue, breathing difficulty, and other symptoms.
These sewage backup in basement health risks need prompt treatment as they can spread quickly into households.
What to Do When Faced With Sewage Backups in Basements
Sewage backups in basements are a devastating tragedy to face, but keep in mind that you have to be alert to ensure the safety of everyone in your household. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Don’t go near the affected area.
If there’s sewage backup in your basement, don’t go near it. Wear personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, at home. If possible, leave your property and evacuate to a safe place.
Don’t try to clean the mess yourself. Entrust it to experts who know how to clean sewage backups in basements.
2. Turn off the source of electricity in the basement.
To prevent short circuits, electrocution, and other electrical hazards, turn off the energy source in your basement. Don’t touch anything, especially when the water level reaches your electrical sockets.
3. Shut down your home’s main water line.
Sewage backups can contaminate the water you use at home. To prevent that from happening, shut down your home’s main water line. Don’t use water until a sewage cleanup company makes it safe to do so.
4. Make sure there’s sufficient air circulation.
Not only does sewage harbor waterborne diseases, but it also carries airborne diseases. To prevent viruses, bacteria, germs, and other microbes from spreading diseases, make sure that there’s sufficient air circulation. Open your windows and vents, use air purifiers, and spray disinfectant solutions.
How to Prevent Sewage Backups in Basements
To prevent sewage backups, here are some preventive measures to take:
- Don’t pour oil and grease down your kitchen sink drains.
- Throw tissues, wipes, feminine products, condoms, diapers properly. Don’t flush them in the toilet.
- Cut tree roots regularly.
- Call in experts for routine inspection and maintenance.
Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration is Here to Help
If you encounter sewage backup in your basement, call Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration.
Our cleanup experts know how to clean sewage backups in basements. They have the required knowledge and experience to restore your home and basement. We also provide other services, including fire and water damage restoration in Omaha, NE. Ensure your safety by calling us today!
