If you experience a sewage backup, it's more than just a smelly nuisance, it's also a health hazard. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can cause diseases and illnesses that make a contaminated house uninhabitable. Protect your family and home from sewage damage with these useful tips.
Steps to take while you wait for help:
- If there is a backup, do not flush the toilets.
- Keep all children and pets away from the sewage.
- Wear rubber gloves when handling anything contaminated with sewage.
- Wash hands immediately afterward if contact is made.
- Turn off the power if there is standing water.
- If there is sewage in the basement check all sinks and toilets on the main level and try to clear the blockage. Call a plumber if your efforts fail.
- Check your sewer cleanout in the basement.
- Avoid using all sinks and toilets. If the backup is in the mainline, it will continue up through the bathtub or basement.
How to prevent a sewage backup:
- Avoid planting trees near sewer lines. Tree roots are very destructive and can easily invade pipes.
- Do not pour cooking grease down the drain. It will resolidify, creating a blockage in the drain.
- Install child-proof toilet seat covers to avoid foreign objects from being flushed by the little ones.
- "Flushable" bathroom wipes do not break down and can cause backups. Additionally, do not flush sanitary products, paper towels, and diapers.
Dealing with a sewage backup is never a fun task but we hope these tips will make for an easier experience. Protect your home from sewage backups when you can with these prevention strategies. But if you do find yourself in need of water damage restoration from a sewage backup, we can help. Our technicians are available 24/7/365. Contact us today.
