Sewer Backup Guide: Tips From Our Sewer Backup Water Damage Experts
By: 911 Water Damage Experts
Sewer backups can be a nightmare for homeowners, causing significant damage and posing serious health risks.
Understanding the causes and taking preventative measures can save you from the hassle and expense associated with this problem.
This article will delve into the intricacies of sewer backup, highlighting the signs, common causes, health risks, and effective prevention strategies.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to protect your home from the detrimental effects of sewer backup.
Let’s get right into it!
What Is Sewer Backup?
A sewer backup occurs when wastewater flows back into your home instead of being carried away by the sewer system. This can result in contaminated water flooding your home, leading to damage and health hazards. Common causes of sewer backup include blockages, heavy rainfall, and deteriorating pipes.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that the first known sewer systems date back to ancient Rome? These early systems were designed to carry waste away from populated areas, much like our modern systems.
Signs Of Sewer Backup
Recognising the early signs of a sewer backup can help you address the issue before it escalates. Here are some indicators to watch out for:
- Slow Drains: If multiple drains in your home are slow, it could signal a blockage in the main sewer line.
- Gurgling Sounds: Unusual gurgling noises from toilets or drains often indicate trapped air in the pipes due to a blockage.
- Foul Odours: A persistent sewage smell in your home is a clear sign of a problem.
- Water Backups: Water backing up in toilets, sinks, or drains, especially when using other plumbing fixtures, is a strong indicator of a sewer issue.
Interesting Fact: The human sense of smell can detect certain chemicals at concentrations as low as one part per billion. This makes foul odours a particularly effective early warning sign for sewer problems.
Common Causes Of Sewer Backup
Understanding the common causes of sewer backups can help you prevent them. Here are the main culprits:
- Blockages in the Sewer Line: Accumulation of grease, debris, and non-biodegradable materials like wipes and sanitary products can block the sewer line.
- Heavy Rainfall or Flooding: Excessive rain can overwhelm the sewer system, causing water to back up into homes.
- Damaged or Deteriorating Sewer Pipes: Older pipes made from materials like clay or cast iron can crack or collapse, leading to backups.
- Improper Disposal of Household Items: Items like cooking grease, coffee grounds, and paper towels can clog your pipes and cause backups.
Interesting Fact: Tree roots can extend up to three times the diameter of the tree’s canopy. These roots can infiltrate and damage sewer lines, leading to significant blockages.
Health Risks Associated With Sewer Backup
Sewer backups are not just an inconvenience; they pose serious health risks. Here’s why you should address sewer issues promptly:
- Exposure to Harmful Bacteria and Viruses: Sewer water contains pathogens that can cause illnesses like gastroenteritis and hepatitis.
- Potential for Mould Growth: Moisture from sewer backups can lead to mould growth, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
- Respiratory Issues and Infections: The bacteria and mould associated with sewer backups can lead to serious respiratory problems and infections.
Interesting Fact: According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to mould can increase the risk of asthma in children by 40%.
Preventative Measures
Taking proactive steps can prevent sewer backups and protect your home. Here are some effective measures:
- Regular Maintenance and Inspection of Sewer Lines: Schedule regular inspections to detect and address potential issues before they become severe.
- Proper Disposal of Waste and Household Items: Avoid flushing items like wipes, sanitary products, and cooking grease down the drain.
- Installing a Backwater Valve: This device prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rainfall or blockages.
- Avoiding Planting Trees Near Sewer Lines: Plant trees away from sewer lines to prevent root infiltration.
- Ensuring Proper Drainage Around the Home: Make sure your home’s drainage systems direct water away from the foundation to prevent overloading the sewer system.
Interesting Fact: Backwater valves are so effective that some municipalities offer rebates to homeowners who install them as a preventative measure.
What To Do If You Experience A Sewer Backup
If you suspect a sewer backup, it’s important to act quickly to minimise damage and health risks. Here’s what you should do:
- Immediate Steps to Take:
- Turn off the water supply to prevent further backup.
- Avoid using plumbing fixtures until the issue is resolved.
- Keep children and pets away from the affected area to prevent exposure to contaminants.
- Contacting a Professional: Call a professional water damage company and plumber to inspect and address the issue. They have the tools and expertise to handle sewer backups safely and effectively.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Affected Areas: Once the plumber has resolved the issue, clean and disinfect the affected areas thoroughly to remove any harmful bacteria and prevent mould growth.
- Filing an Insurance Claim: If your insurance policy covers sewer backups, file a claim to cover the cost of repairs and cleaning.
Interesting Fact: The cost of cleaning up a sewer backup can range from £1,000 to £10,000, depending on the extent of the damage and contamination.
Hiring A Professional Sewer Backup Company
When dealing with sewer backups, hiring a professional company is often the best course of action.
Here’s what you need to know:
- When to Call a Professional: If you notice signs of a sewer backup or if the issue is beyond your ability to handle, it’s time to call a professional.
- What to Look for in a Professional Plumber or Sewer Backup Specialist:
- Check for proper licensing and insurance.
- Look for reviews and recommendations from previous customers.
- Ensure they have experience dealing
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
