Tips To Help Prevent A Sewer Backup & What To Do If You Have A Backup
A sewer backup is one of the last issues a homeowner wants to deal with. There are a few things that homeowners can do to help prevent a sewer backup from happening to them.
Tips On How To Prevent A Sewer Backup
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- Dispose Of Cooking Grease Properly – Cooking oil should NOT be poured down the drain. Cooking oil should, in fact, be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly after it has cooled.
- Always Dispose Of Paper Products Properly – Never put anything other than bathroom tissue down the toilet. Other paper items do not deteriorate as bathroom tissue does and can cause a great deal of trouble.
- Replace Your Line With New Plastic Pipes – Replacing your line with plastic can help prevent tree roots from entering and breaking the lines.
- Correct Any Known Illegal Connections – It is illegal to connect French drains, sump pumps, and other systems to your sanitary sewer. Doing so can cause debris and silt to clog your drains.
If you feel you have any plumbing issues that may need to be addressed, contact a licensed and insured plumber. Do not be afraid to ask for proof of insurance. If you need insurance of any kind, please contact our independent insurance agents by clicking below.
I Have A Sewer Backup, Now What?
Sewer backup into your home? It has happened even to the best of us. It can be stressful but here is some information to keep in mind in case it ever happens to you. Your house could flood.
What Do I Do With My Sewer Backup
If your sewer line backs up it is a good idea to take photos of the affected areas and itemize any other property losses for your insurance claim. Keep receipts from the repair, cleaning, or damages and call us so we can help you make a claim.
Prompt cleanup of affected areas/items is essential in preventing disease, further destruction, and damage to your house and even electrical malfunctions. Here are some things you will want to do (if you can):
- Drain away all water/sewage.
- Remove dirt, soil, or other debris from surfaces that might have come into contact with any sewage.
- Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant.
- Air-out the area by opening any windows and using fans.
- Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures.
- Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or other wall covering.
- Cleanup of ductwork.
- Throw out anything that cannot be disinfected to prevent the spread of disease.