How Can I Prevent Sewer Backup Into My Home?

Having a sewage back up in your home is not only extremely unpleasant, but also one of the most dangerous emergencies that can occur as well. Bacterial contamination can spread quickly and can lead to terrible diseases such as Hepatitis A. People don’t like to think about where there sewage goes. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know whether there is a sewage backup problem until sewage water starts to back up.

Sewer Backup Causes

Accumulation of Clogs: Solid materials such as hair, diapers, and hygienic napkins can clog a system. Grease is also a major problem, and even tree roots can cause a system to become blocked. Manholes can also be affected by vandalism when someone crams leaves, rocks, trash, and other material into it.

Aging Sewer Systems: Older properties may have outdated plumbing. This is especially the case when the plumbing pipes are made of metal, which naturally corrode over time.

Problems at the Sanitary Main: It is possible for problems to occur at a municipal system. If the problem is not detected in time, the sewage water and the sanitary main can lead to a sewage blockage that will affect residences and local businesses. This usually occurs when the amount of waste is higher than the sewage plant can process.

Blockages due to Tree Roots: This is a problem that is more common among metal pipes, which are more prone to breakage. A root can cause a pipe to burst, but it can also find its way into a cracked pipe. As the root grows, it will eventually cause a blockage in the sewage pipe.

Construction Mishaps: Construction equipment can cause pipes to break.

Combined pipelines: Some sewer systems combine waster pipelines. These systems are prone to overflow during heavy rains and/or flooding.

Where do Backups Usually Happen?

Sewer systems rely on gravity to keep flow going, so these systems follow the natural slope of the ground. This causes backups to occur in the lower parts of building. Here are the most common places:

1             Basements

2             Floor Drains

3             Toilets and/or Sinks

4             Outdoor Sewer lines

5             Septic tanks and/or septic systems

The earlier you catch a blockage the better. If you notice that your toilets aren’t working properly and a clog remover doesn’t solve the problem, you should consider contacting a plumber. A licensed plumber will be able to properly diagnose an issue and give you advice on how to prevent a sewage backup.

How Can I Prevent Sewer Backup Into My Home?

A sewer backup is both a hazard and an inconvenience. A sewage backup can cause a host of health issues and ruin the interior of a home and business. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent a sewage block.

1             Never, ever, put grease or solids down your garbage disposal or sink drain. The grease will accumulate and will inevitably lead to a blockage.

2             Do not flush diapers, paper towers, or hygienic napkins in a toilet. These can easily become stuck on existing clogs and damage your plumbing.

3             If you live in an older home, replace old metal plumbing with new plastic ones. Plastic does not corrode and is much less likely to break.

These simple steps will help safeguard your home from a potential sewage backup.

What Can I Do if Sewer Backup is Already in my Home or Business?

If you should fine that it is too late to take preventative measures against a sewage blockage, then you need to call sewage restoration specialists immediately, or at least your insurance agent. They will help clean up the mess and will restore your home to its previous working condition.