Sewage Backup: Common Causes and Safety Tips

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Causes of Sewage Backup

Did you know that you’re responsible for the plumbing lines on your property, including the sewage main lines that run on your property connecting to the municipal sewer lines? That means that if there is deterioration, collapse, or obstruction, you are responsible for the maintenance or repair of these lines – and the cleanup that follows. It goes without saying that dealing with a sewage backup is something no one would want to deal with; however, it happens, and it can happen to you. It’s a common problem, but there are ways you can act to prevent a sewage blockage or failure.

Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage & Backups

Aged Sewer System

Many sewer lines in the United States are older than 30 years, and many newer lines connect to older municipal sewage systems. Because of the age and constant strain on these systems, the older lines weren’t built to withstand the demand that is currently being put on them. Therefore, due to the wear and tear and deterioration of these aged lines, obstruction is possible and can cause a sewage backup and overflow on your property.

Combined Pipelines

Some drain and sewage systems may combine sewage and storm runoff into the same pipeline. Because of this, an extreme storm can cause an increase of volume and debris that is collected in the line, causing a blockage that can cause a backup and overflow on your property.

Tree Root Permeation

Plant roots can grow deep into the ground and can cover a vast amount of space. Tree and shrub roots seek moisture, making plumbing lines a very desirable place to get the desired moisture they seek. Plant roots can permeate the plumbing lines through cracks or joints in the line pipes and cause a blockage.

Blocked City Lines

Blocked or clogged municipal lines on your street may cause a backup or overflow on your property. While the blockage may not be on your property, it can still affect your property and your neighbor’s property as well. While there are some external forces that are beyond your control, it’s important to be aware of the potential causes that can cause a sewer line backup and overflow. It may also be of interest to you to get sewage backup and/or water damage insurance coverage for your property.

Most insurance companies don’t provide sewage damage policies with traditional homeowner coverage. You can contact your insurance agent to get a quote, but most agencies have a nominal expense that can be added to your existing policy. If you’ve purchased sewage backup coverage, you’ll want to verify that your agency hasn’t discontinued or canceled your service, as policy changes may happen.

Safety Tips to Sewage Cleanup

Sewage damage is messy, messy, messy! It’s also probably the last thing you want to be thinking about. However, it is something everyone should take the time to be informed about; because more than just being messy, it is also extremely hazardous. Here are a few of the first steps you should take if that unfortunate occurrence happens to you so you can recover as many of your possessions as possible and keep your family safe.

Important to Note: The purpose of this blog is not to give you directions for a “do it yourself project”. Sewage backup can be very dangerous and cause deadly, even fatal diseases. If this happens to you, your first call should be to an experienced cleaning and restoration company with professional experience and equipment. The purpose of this blog is to inform you about some of the steps that will be taken with your belongings so you can know how to help while staying safe.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

We could give you directions on how to clean and sanitize your belongings. However, it is our humble opinion that no one should clean up a sewage loss without the proper training, immunizations (hepatitis and tetanus), proper respirators, eye splash guards, etc. The healthiest and quickest way to clean and sanitize your belongings is by calling a professional!

Utilities

Contact your utility company immediately and have them shut off the gas and electricity. DO NOT turn on any appliance or anything of the sort until checked by the gas company or you have consulted with the dealer or service company. This may be an annoyance, but it is a matter of safety since sewage contains combustible gasses that could put your health and life in danger if an explosion occurs.

Foods

First off, any food that you feel could have been contaminated in any way should just be thrown away. It’s just not worth the risk. Food in a freezer will keep for two days after losing power, and food in a refrigerator will only keep for 4-6 hours after power loss if the room temperature is warm. In essence, be wise with this one. Don’t take any unnecessary risks, and sanitize and re-sanitize everything you possibly can.

Clothing and Bedding

Again, anything affected by the sewage you should consider throwing out for safety reasons. However, if it can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, it may be safe to keep. Just make sure to be thorough! Also, keep in mind that as you are sorting through all of this, personal hygiene is something to be taken seriously. Wash your hands repeatedly using a nail brush and germ-killing soap. Also, just be wise and keep your hands away from contacting your face, as that is the perfect way to transmit germs. Hopefully, you never have to think about these steps again!

But if disaster does strike and you decide you must come in contact with potentially contaminated items, remember to be thorough, make safety your first priority, and call us at Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair in McPherson to do the dirty and dangerous work for you!

Professional Sewage Damage Cleanup

After the source of the sewage backup has been addressed and the flow of sewage has stopped, extensive cleanup may be necessary and must be completed by a professional service. Sewage not only contains waste but is a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and fatal diseases. It’s important to take immediate action in finding a professional to handle the cleaning and restoration services to protect you and your family’s health from the hazardous material found in sewage lines. Call Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair to handle the mess.

We offer 24/7 emergency services, and our technicians have the experience, resources, and technical training to safely and effectively remove contaminated materials such as carpet and drywall and repair your home to its pre-loss condition. For additional reading, click here to see an article from The Salina Journal about sewage backups.

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