The rain has been unceasing. As you head down to your finished basement, you notice thick, black water on your flooring. And a stench. You guessed right – sewage has just backed up onto your newly carpeted flooring.
You can do some things to avoid this costly mess that is outlined here. However, while most of these measures may work, they are not a 100% guarantee.
Today’s blog post will focus on what causes, prevention, and remediation tactics are if this happens to you.
Primary Causes of Sewage Backup
- Hair, grease, or paper clogs
- Tree roots
- Aging sewer systems
- Sump pump failure
- Heavy rainfall
Seven Steps to Prevent Sewage Backup
- Treat your drains and disposal with tender loving care.
Don’t use chemicals to clear up a clog. Instead, use a plunger, unscrew your drain and clean out the hair or blockage.
Don’t pour hot grease down your drain, as it can harden your pipes. Instead, please put it in a glass container and throw it away when it cools off.
Don’t put carrot or potato peels down the garbage disposal. - Flush only toilet paper in the toilet.
Paper towels, feminine products, and wipes can clog your sewer. - Install a backwater prevention valve.
This fixture allows sewage to leave but prevents it from backing up. You should have a licensed plumber or professional install it for the best results. The estimated cost is between $500-$1,000 for the valve and the service. - Check your sump pump.
Make sure it doesn’t sit on silt, gravel, or dirt that can be sucked into the pump, ruining the motor and stopping the system altogether. Instead, it should be on a flat, concrete surface. - Find out where the sewage pipe is in your home.
Hire a plumber to evaluate the piping. Remember, you are responsible for that piping from the home to the city’s sewage line. - Before buying a home, complete a comprehensive plumbing inspection to ensure your sewage pipes are in good condition.
- If you have a lot of trees around your home, you may wish to hire a contractor annually who can place a camera down your pipe to determine any root issues.
What to Do if Sewage Backup Happens Anyway
- If you are down the basement when the backup occurs, turn off electrical power (if you safely can) and evacuate the area.
- Don’t go near your main circuit breaker or any electrical devices if you notice the backup later.
- Pour bleach in the standing water to help disinfect the area.
- Shut off the main water line in your home.
- Notify your insurance company about what happened.
Please remember that standard homeowner’s policies do not cover sewage backup – you will have to purchase extra endorsements for sewers and drains. - When going downstairs, wear protective clothing, including a facemask, eyeglasses, gloves, and rubber boots before walking through the sewage water. Do not let your children or pets go into the area.
- Contact a professional restoration company.
- Contact your municipal authority to determine where the backup originated.
- Don’t use the water in your home or flush toilets until the proper mitigation occurs.
- Open windows and doors and ventilate the area.
We Can Help You with the Right Insurance Coverage
Please consult with one of our experienced benefits specialists to ensure you are covered in the event of sewage backup. Call us at 330-753-8700 (Akron) or 330-334-1010 (Wadsworth) or fill out our contact form!
