Dealing with the Mess After a Sewage Backup
There is nothing quite worse than dealing with a sewage backup. When this happens, it can cause a big mess, costing you time and money in the end.
What is a Sewage Backup?
A sewage backup is where an obstruction or some sort of damage prevents wastewater from draining away from your home. This usually occurs in the main sewer line.
This usually happens over time after solid materials build-up and can impact toilets, baths, and sinks.
The main cause of a sewage backup is a clog in the sewer line from things that aren’t supposed to go down the drains, from tree roots growing into sewer pipes, to cracked and collapsed sewer pipes.
Signs of a sewage backup include a slow drain, standing water, or bubbling drains or toilets. Since wastewater can’t flow through the pipes, an odor is also a strong sign.
What Do I Do if I have a Sewage Backup?
A sewage backup can cause severe water damage, so the best thing to do is to call a plumber in Tucson right away to prevent more damage.
Once you start noticing the red flags, call your plumber to come out and clear the main sewer line. They will be able to replace or repair any damage lines, it all depends on the severity of the backup and damage already done.
If you are unable to have a plumber come out right away for any reason, you may have to do some of the work yourself. Just remember to always wear protective gear including gloves and a mask.
First, you will need to remove the sewer water. It is a good idea to open the windows to ventilate. Pour a small amount of chlorine and bleach in the standing water to disinfect and prevent bacteria from forming. Then, use a dry vac to suck up the water and shovel any extra debris in a trash bag. Be sure to also disinfect and wash all the walls. Finally, inspect for any mold damage and contact your insurance.
How Can I Prevent a Sewage Backup?
There are a few things you can do to prevent a sewage backup. First, always use drains correctly. That means only putting things down the drain that are supposed to go down them. Also, it helps to routinely clean them.
Preventive maintenance by a trusting plumber can also prevent sewage backup. They will do routine inspections to make sure there are no signs of sewage backup.
Call a Professional!
Whenever you are in doubt, call the plumbers at Rainforest Plumbing and Air to come out and inspect your situation. Their reliable plumbers will be able to offer any recommendations to save you from a plumbing disaster. Located in the heart of Arizona, Rainforest Plumbing and Air are open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so they are just a phone call or click away!
