Preventing Sewage Backup in Your Home.

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

What is sewage you might ask or at least what is considered sewage. Sewage is known in the industry as Category 3, or “Black Water” can cause health effects. With that being said, it is crucial that you quickly get this cleaned up properly. Here are some tips and tricks as well as common causes to help you be prepared.

Causes:

• Clogs: Sewage can back up into your home if your drain pipes or main sewer line becomes clogged. This is common in toilets as they are connected to the drains. Bathtubs are another common source and if both the toilets and bathtubs create backflows, then this will clog the main sewer line. Clogs can occur from excessive combinations of hair, grease, or other solid materials that end up in the drains
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can get very long intertwine with sewer lines, puncture holes and grow inside or crush the sewer line. This is a very common problem.
• Damaged sewer lines: Aging sewer lines (in the past were made of cast iron and clay) can break down or crack which can cause sewage backup and flooded basements. Plastic sewer lines have become the new norm and you should consider updating your sewer system if they are not plastic.
• Heavy Rainfall: Large rainfalls can overstress the city’s sewer system, causing back ups.

Tips & Tricks:

• Don’t pour grease down the drain! When cooking, make sure you properly dispose of grease or fat.
• Dispose of paper products properly. Do not flush paper towels, diapers or feminine products down the toilet.
• Install a backwater prevention valve.
• Cut long tree roots and install a plastic pipe system.
• Perform a sewer line inspection using a certified plumber to examine the condition and correct any issues that could cause a back up.

We understand that sometimes it is too late to be on the preventative side and something can arise even when you are prepared. That is why SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has got you covered. We serve all locations in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Restoration experts are available 24/7 to speak with you by calling 626-852-9922.