How to Protect Your Home From a Sewage Backup
Sewage lines are used for everything in your home that involves water, from washing dishes to taking a shower, the water will at some point pass through these lines because they are designed to move waste and water out and away from the home. If one of the lines becomes clogged or breaks, it will result in a dangerous flood in your home. The water in sewage backups contains harmful microorganisms, bacteria, and human waste that can cause infectious diseases to the members of the household.
Continue reading our complete guide to sewage backups to familiarize yourself with the signs of this type of flood damage, and how to protect from future sewage backups.
Causes of Sewage Backups
Aging Systems
The life span of the average sewer pipe is dependant on what kind of material of the pipe. Before the 1980s, clay pipes were used in sewage lines. During this time, these pipes we’re the most economical option and the pipes have an average lifespan of 50-60 years. After the 1980s, PVC pipes became more popular and the pipe was designed specifically to last for long periods of time, some say the pipes will last for over 100 years. As both of these pipes age, the surface is subject to cracking or other damages. These damages may seem minor, however, it can cause a huge, toxic flood in the home.
Crossed Lines
Sewage backups can occur is storm or rainwater and sewage is draining through the same pipeline. During a storm, the pipeline will be flooded with more water than it was originally designed to drain. The result is a backup that will allow sewage to flood into basements and other low drains.
Deep Plant Roots
Plants root into the ground looking for any moisture available, and the plants will often root into sewer line cracks or the joints of service pipes. This type of sewer line damage can cause minor pipe repair to a massive and costly issue. The cost of the repairs will be covered by the owner of the tree so, even though your home has no damages, a tree on your property could cause sewage flood to a neighboring home. In this case, the tree owner would be held responsible for the cost of water extraction and restoration.
Block in Main Sanitary Line
Blockages can occur in the main sanitary line in a city and if this is not identified as soon as possible, the sewage can flood and back up into homes and businesses through drains on the floor. This type of sewage backup is typically slow-moving damage and will show signs before any major damages occur.
Warning Signs of a Sewage Backup
In some cases, these are a few warning signs to look out for when a sewage backup is about to affect and flood your home. If the damages are caught early, the repair process will be faster and less expensive.
What to look out for:
- Vile smells coming from the drains.
- Slow draining tubs and laundry lines.
- Backups in toilets and showers.
These signs may seem minor at the moment, however, if not cared for properly, these problems can cause major damages to your home, health, and wallet. These warning signs should not be ignored, and you should routinely check the sewage pipes to prevent any water damages.
How to Prevent a Sewage Backup and Flood
It’s important that every member of the household is aware of how to prevent sewage backups and actively practices these steps.
- Do not flush items that cannot dissolve - like baby wipes, paper towels, feminine products, diapers, or other hygiene products. Throw all of these into the trash to avoid any blockages.
- Avoid pouring cooking grease down your sink drain. The substance is a liquid when hot, however, once the oil cools it will form into a solid and will stick to the sides of the piping and will trap food residue aswell. This will quickly lead to a clogged sink.
- Use a drain cover in the shower to prevent excess hair from going down te drain into the pipes.
- Install a sump pump in the basement to pump out any excess or standing water.
Health Effects of Sewage Backups
Water damage is categorized into three different types of water damage, category 1, category 2, and category 3. Category 3, or black water will cause serious illnesses to you and your pets from the harmful bacteria and fungus that pollute the water. This water is a result of sewage backups, overflowing toilets (containing feces), or flooding from bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans, streams), among other causes.
Health Risks Associated with Sewage Backups:
- E. Coli. This bacteria is found in feces and is extremely dangerous and potentially deadly to humans. Symptoms of E. Coli include cramping in the abdomen and diarrhea.
- Salmonella. If infected the symptoms will include ramping in the abdomen and diarrhea.
- Hepatitis. This infectious disease can cause inflammation of the liver and can lead to liver failure.
- Leptospirosis. If infected, the symptoms will include vomiting and muscle aches.
- Acanthamoeba. This can cause infections in the eyes, throat, nose, and ears.
- Helicobacter Pylori. If infected, this can lead to the risk of getting ulcers.
Call Anchor Restoration For Emergency Sewage Cleanup Services
If your home has been affected by a sewage backup and you need emergency water removal and restoration don’t hesitate to call Anchor Restoration. We service Salt Lake City and surround areas. We promise to find the root of the issue, using industry-approved methods and equipment and will work quickly to mitigate the damages.
