Care For Your Pipes To Avoid A Sewage Backup
Be Careful What You Flush
A majority of sewage backups are caused by drain clogs. While sometimes this is because the toilet can’t handle the quantity trying to be flushed, it can also be because the wrong items are attempted to be flushed. Your toilet is designed to flush human waste and toilet paper, and that’s about all. Anything else will likely cause a backup. Although toilet clogs are the most common, sinks and shower drains are also notorious for clogs and backup. To help prevent sink clogs, ensure that you do not pour grease of any kind down the sink, as this grease will coat the inside of your pipes. Hair also tends to stick to the side of pipes and can cause severe clogs in showers and sinks. Purchasing a mesh covering for your shower/bathtub and sink can greatly reduce the amount of hair that collects in the drain, and the occasional use of a drain snake can help keep your pipes clear. Read How To Prevent Sewage Backup here to learn what not to put down the drain and how to properly dispose of grease.
Use Temporary Solutions
If you are having repeated issues with your drains or toilets, call a plumber to examine your pipes or toilet. Low pressure can severely limit your toilet’s ability to flush and damage to pipes will have to be solved by an expert. In the meantime, you can perform some temporary maintenance at home and can assess if there are issues with your toilet or pipes.
- Unclog Your Toilet. Always keep a plunger in the washroom to prevent toilet overflows. If you don’t have one and your toilet is clogged (from human waste and not from foreign items), add liquid soap and hot water. The hotter the better. The soap and heat will help to break up the mass that is blocking water from flushing and the rising water levels will trigger the toilet to automatically flush.
- Stop A Backup In Its Tracks. If you see your toilet start to back up, take off the top of the tank and push down the flush valve. This will stop the water from rising and give you some time to figure out what to do or call someone over to help you.
- Check If Your Tank Leaks. If you suspect your tank is leaking water into your toilet bowl, you can check by adding some food colouring into the tank. This will let you see if the water is leaking and it won’t cause any damage to the toilet.
- Clear Buildup From Your Water Heater. Flush your water heater every year to clear it of sediment buildup. This will help prevent rust development or a water backup and can help your heater last longer.
- Look For Pipe Leaks. You might think to do this if you suspect things aren’t quite right, but you should regularly check for leaks so you don’t miss them. If a leak occurs and it isn’t caught, it can cost you a lot of money in your utility bills and it can cause mold development. Make sure to check under sinks and behind large appliances, such as the washing machine, where you might not often look.
Sewage Backup Cleanup In Calgary
If you do have a sewage backup, call a professional cleanup crew right away. Sewage contains dangerous microbes and bacteria that can cause illness as well as increase the risk of mold development. When sewage water gets into the flooring or drywall it can cause water damage and deposit those bacteria. For these reasons, it is crucial that you call professionals who have the training and equipment to safely handle sewage backups. At 24/7 Restoration, our professional cleanup crew will ensure everything is cleaned, decontaminated, and repaired correctly. We are equipped to handle all forms of sewage issues, including sewage backups. No matter the type or severity of sewage backup, call the team at 24/7 Restoration at any time, night or day, at 1-403-247-4365 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Is all wastewater equally dangerous?
A: There are two types of wastewater: greywater and blackwater. Greywater is the waste from sinks, showers, and washing machines and although it may have food particles and minor waste, it is not considered highly dangerous. Blackwater is sewage water that contains human fecal matter and it is considered dangerous. To learn more about the differences between blackwater and greywater and what to do if either back up, read Greywater Vs. Blackwater: What Is The Difference?
Q: Are there any ways to tell if a sewage backup is imminent?
A: If it’s a sudden backup from a clog, there is often no way to know. But if the backup is due to roots in the pipe, damage to pipes, or other slowly developing issues, there are often signs. Read Signs That Your Sewer Is In Danger Of Backing Up to learn more.
Q: What happens when I call 24/7 Restoration for sewage backup service?
A: We offer a 24-hour emergency line that will immediately connect you with one of our skilled and professional project managers. We will promptly inspect the damage while providing the education and clarity needed to help you now and in the future. Once we have made a plan together, our team of expert technicians and plumbers will get to work with care and diligence, repairing your current needs and safeguarding you from any potential future issues. When you choose to work with 24/7 Restoration for your Sewage Backup needs, you can expect:
- A skilled, experienced, and IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified team
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Daily monitoring for secondary issues such as mold buildup
- A dedicated person on-call to answer any and all of your questions
