Sewer Backups

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

There are a number of ways where your sewer system could end up compromised and set off a major overflow of unsanitary conditions.  For example, if your area received a large influx of heavy rain in a short period of time, it can cause the runoff to overwhelm the sewer lines and begin to moving back out.

Common Contributors to Sewer Backups

If you have parents who will yell at you for pouring grease down the sink, then you should thank them.  This is one of the most common ways to clog your drains and cause the sewer line to backup.  On the other end of common plumbing problems is the toilet and bathroom sink. Naturally, it can be easy to assume that it would take a lot of toilet paper alone to clog a toilet and cause sewer blockage, but it’s all a matter of timing, where the pipe bends is where most clogging happens.  Paper towels and baby wipes can cause a clog all on their own as well.

This is why sometimes a simple plunger won’t work and you use a pipe snaking tool.  Liquid drainage solutions are highly discouraged as they are very toxic products that destroy our water table and all wildlife that comes into contact due to runoff.

One other common, but less obvious cause of sewer backup especially is pipe breakage from trees and shrubs that extend their roots across their paths. This can catch owners off-guard and result in a devastating situation if they don't have a sewer backup insurance plan.

Getting Proactive on Sewage Backup

One way to prevent having to deal with any exposure to sewage water in the event of a sewer backup is to install a backflow valve.  This can give you the extra time needed to call a emergency plumber to fix the cause of the problem without discovering a flooded basement and having no time to react.

Being aware of how old your pipes are in your home and around your property can also prevent the aforementioned plant root encroachment.  It’s probably a good idea to replace any old lead pipes with PVC for both health and safety reasons.

Better Safe than Sorry

Lastly, having a good drainage plan in-place can cover many different sewage backup scenarios.  Survey your downspouts to make sure that it is properly directing water out, not just finding a wedge for water to escape.  The same goes for making sure your elevation around the home is not just allowing heavy rains to collect along the perimeter of your property.

If you do ever experience a sewer back and/or basement flooding, never try to go in and fix the problem yourself, especially if you don’t know exactly how it happened. Risking your health to try to save money on the clean-up is not worth it.  Sewage water is carrying more than your typical flora of bacteria and viruses as found on the surfaces of your bathroom or kitchen counters.

Sewage Backup in your home or business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.