Preventing Sewage Backups

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO: 50+ Years of Cleanup Experience

Sewage backups are a homeowner’s nightmare. They occur when sewer lines become obstructed, causing wastewater to be pushed back into the home. Sewage backups are most commonly found in basement drains, toilets, and bathtub drains. 

The thick, black water that forms as sewage contains contaminants and should be avoided. 

Knowing what causes sewer backups can help you prevent a hazardous situation. Follow these tips to avoid a sewage backup:

• Don’t pour grease down the drain. Cooking oil can harden inside your pipes, gradually creating a clog. Dispose of grease or fat, in a heat-resistant container instead.
• Dispose of paper products properly. Hygiene products such as paper towels, diapers, or feminine products can easily clog your sewer line. Always discard them in the trash.
• Install a new plastic pipe or cut tree roots. Prevent tree roots from damaging your sewer lateral (the line buried in your yard) by cutting the roots occasionally.
• Install a backwater prevention valve. This fixture allows sewage to leave but prevents it from backing up into your home. They are typically installed into a sewer line.

Substantial sewage backups must be addressed immediately. The cleanup experts at SERVPRO are on call 24/7 to respond to your emergency.