Signs You May Have A Sewage Backup

Your Sewage May Be Backing Up When… 

Prevention is the best way to deal with a sewage backup. Solving the problem before it gets out of hand can severely limit the damage it may inflict on your property一not to mention your health. In most cases, a plumber can fix your sewage issue and avert a potentially disastrous outcome. 

Here are some signs you need to look out for and what to do in the event they occur: 

Sewer smell is coming from your drains: Your drains are supposed to carry water away from your home. So if a sewage-like odour is coming out from your drains, something is seriously wrong. Not only is this unpleasant smell a potential indication of a sewage backup, it also contains a dangerous gas, methane, which can cause headaches, weakness, and nausea.

Depending on where the smell comes from, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. If the shower drain or the sink is the culprit, applying a commercial cleaner or simply letting the water run for a few minutes can suffice. On the other hand, if the problem lies with the toilet or the washing machine, then you may have to call on a plumber. 

Bubbling in your drains or toilets: A gurgling drain or toilet indicates a blockage in your drainage system. If the blockage is not cleared up, wastewater will have nowhere to go except up.

Confirming the location of the blockage is the first step in addressing this issue. If only your toilet is gurgling, a plunger will often get the job done. However, if more than one drain is gurgling, then the blockage is probably affecting the sewer line itself. In that case, you may have to enlist a plumber to replace the line for you.

Multiple drains are slow or clogged: If the lowest drain in your home is struggling to clear for wastewater, be on the lookout for more slow or clogged drains around your house. If the same thing begins to occur elsewhere, then it could be a sign of sewage backup.

Because the blockage is likely somewhere in the main sewer line, you will need a plumber to unclog it.

Sewage is coming out of your cleanout pipe: The cleanout pipe is linked directly to the sewer line and is usually located outside. Sewage water coming back up from a cleanup pipe usually means a problem with the sewer line.

If you notice wastewater coming out from a pipe in your yard, call a plumber. They have the tools to unblock and clean the sewer line and seal the cleanout pipe.   

Call An Expert When In Doubt

While some homeowners deal with minor sewage backups by themselves, going it alone can be risky. It is not always simple to diagnose the exact cause of the problem; a blocked toilet can turn out to be something much worse. 

Err on the side of caution. If one of your drains is starting to smell or not clearing wastewater as quickly as before, call a professional. The peace of mind that comes with the assistance of an expert is often worth it. 

If you are noticing potential signs of a sewage backup in your home, contact 24/7 Restoration at 1-403-247-4365 immediately. You will be instantly connected with one of our 24/7 project managers, who will schedule an inspection at your earliest convenience. Our team of plumbers and professional cleaners will then get to work to resolve your sewage problem and safely remove  any wastewater from your residence. 

FAQs

Q: What are the health risks associated with a sewer backup? 
A: Sewage water exposure can cause respiratory infections and allergic reactions. 

Q: What causes sewage backup?
A: Sewage backups are usually caused by blockages somewhere in the drainage system, some of which are outside of your control.

Q: Is sewage backup covered by insurance?
A: This depends on your insurance policy. Ask your insurance provider if they cover sewage backups.