Help! Why Do I Have A Sewage Backup?

Sewage Backup Causes

Clogged Drains
You’re probably familiar with a clogged drain that leads to a backup. This is the most common form of sewage backup and it can happen very quickly. A clogged drain can happen the moment something too big or something not meant for the drain goes down a pipe, but clogged drains can also be a cumulative effect. If the clog is sudden, it may be because something is down the pipe that should not be. Ensure that you and your family only put human waste and toilet paper down the toilet drain. Other products that are not explicitly meant for disposal down the toilet can cause damage to the pipes. Items such as paper towels, cotton swabs, cotton pads, feminine products, baby wipes, or anything else should not be flushed down the toilet and into the pipes.

Clogged drains can also be caused by a cumulative buildup of items on the inside of the pipes. While sometimes scale buildup can contribute to pipe problems, pipe blockages and clogs are often caused by a buildup of hair or grease within the pipes. Hair tends to stick to the inside of the pipe and to get tangled, while hot grease poured down the drain solidifies in the pipes. To prevent a gradual buildup that can cause backups, avoid putting grease or hair down the drains.

Overwhelmed Drains
If there are heavy rains or large amounts of snowmelt, you may experience a sewage backup because the pipes are overwhelmed. When there is too much water surging through the pipes, it can flow the wrong way and backup into your home. If you notice water coming up through your shower drain, sinks, or toilets during a rainstorm or a period of intense snowmelt, the problem is likely coming from outside the house. Click here to learn more about the signs of sewage backups caused by heavy rains. One way to prevent this from happening is to install a backflow valve. This valve lies flat when water exits your pipes, but it will flip up if water tries to flow the wrong way into your pipes.

Tree Roots
If your pipes are several years old, it’s possible that tree roots have grown into your pipes, blocking the flow of water and leading to a sewage backup. When sewage backups occur without clogging or heavy outside water flow, tree roots are the next most likely culprits. These roots will search out a source of water and grow towards it, meaning any cracks in your pipes that drip water are susceptible to tree root growth. When the root grows into the pipe, it will slowly get bigger, which will both block your pipe while also expanding the original crack in the pipe.

If you want to prevent sewage backups, use these tips to maintain your plumbing.

Sewage Backup Cleanup

If your home suffers from a sewage backup, don’t attempt to clean it up yourself. Sewage water contains dangerous bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. Instead, call a professional sewage backup cleanup crew to safely handle your sewage backup. A professional restoration crew has the skill, training, and equipment to safely clean up your sewage backup and ensure your home is completely clear of all sewage water and associated bacteria. If you have a sewage backup that needs cleanup, call the experts at 24/7 Restoration. Our professional sewage backup cleanup crew can get your home back to pre-incident condition and we are available to you anytime, day or night. Call the 24/7 Restoration emergency line at 1-403-247-4365 to resolve any sewage backups, or contact 24/7 Restoration through the online contact form.

FAQ

Q: Can I use bleach to clean up my sewage backup myself?
A: No. While bleach kills 99% of common household germs it DOES NOT remove or kill the contamination caused by black water.  While bleach may clean the stains associated with a sewer backup the contamination left behind still poses significant health risks.

Q: How quickly can mold start to grow if the water is not properly removed?
A: Mold can start growing within 72 hours of exposure to moisture.

Q: Does 24/7 Restoration charge for estimates?
A: Our estimates are 100% free and we are committed to being super responsive when flooding occurs in your home or business.