Sewage is a form of water — highly polluted floodwater that comes from sources such as the public sewer or the road. Consequently, homeowners who have a sewage backup in their houses will need to repair the flooding quickly or risk endangering their health and their own property. To help prevent sewage backups in their houses, here is some valuable information all property owners need to know.
Sewage Backup Causes
- Clogs — Sewage can back up into a house when either the home’s drain pipes or main sewer line eventually become obstructed. By way of example, if one bathroom creates a sewer backup, the drain attached to this toilet will likely be clogged. But if all toilets or bathtubs at the house produce backflows, then there might be a clog from the main sewer line. Clogs can include grease, hair, or other strong substances that wind up in the drains.
- Tree Roots — Trees can develop long roots that intertwine with the sewer line. Roots can grow into a pipe and cause openings to crush the sewer line by growing around it. Even if the origins in the lawn aren’t the problem, roots from nearby trees may get to the sewer line and damage it.
- Damaged Sewer Lines — In the past, pipes were made from cast iron and clay piping which didn’t last very long. Aging sewage systems may break down and crack, causing sewer backups and flooded basements. Cosmetic sewer lines have become the norm.
- Heavy Rainfall — A large amount of rain can overburden the town’s sewer lines. When the public sewer can not handle excess rainfall, the water may make its way to sewer lines that are connected. This places the house at risk of water backflows.
How to Prevent Sewage Backups
- Not pouring grease down the drain — Cooking oil may harden within pipes; it gradually prevents debris from draining, developing a clog. To properly dispose of fat or grease, it should be poured into a heat-resistant container and thrown in the garbage after it cools off.
- Disposing of paper goods correctly — Flushing hygiene products such as paper towels, diapers, or feminine products down the toilet can easily clog a sewer line. Therefore, all paper goods must be lost safely in the trash.
- Installing a brand new plastic pipe or cutting tree roots — To prevent tree roots from damaging the sewer lateral (the line buried in the lawn), it needs to be replaced with a new plastic pipe. If tree roots still grow in the sewer lateral, the roots should be trimmed sometimes.
- Installing a backwater prevention valve — This fixture allows sewage to depart but prevents it from backing up into the home. Backwater valves are generally installed to a sewer line and at times in to a drain line at the cellar.
If sewage backup happens in their home, property owners must call a restoration specialist right away to fix the black water damage. Managing the contaminated water may put one at risk of contracting diseases. The PuroClean Green Bay team stands ready to provide expert restoration services to any property affected by fire, mold, or water damage. Click here for more information.
