What should you do if there is a sewer backup in your basement?
A sewage backup is not something you want to deal with … ever, and if it is in the basement it is even worse. So it is important to know what to do when you experience a sewer backup in the basement, and more importantly it is essential to learn how to look after your pipes to avoid having to get a complete sewer line replacement or worse. Let’s look at steps to fix the worse case scenario of a backed up sewer in the basement and how to avoid it in the future.
Step 1: Regardless of what action you take, you first need to Deal With the Issue and the mess Quickly
The first thing you need to do is stop the water. If the water continues to be used it will only cause further damage and could result in the need for a complete sewer line replacement. If possible turn the water off at the mains to avoid any further accidental damage to the plumbing in the house.
While most homeowners automatically assume that a sewage backup problem is the local authorities’ problem this may not always be the case. Once you call your local government service a crew will arrive and determine if the problem exists in the homeowners’ sewage lines or the cities. If the problem is a city sewer issue the crew will be able to unblock the line, but if not you will have to call your own plumber and have them fix the problem. In either case, don’t wait around while the problem continues to get worse.
Step 2: Prevention (much better than the cure they say)
The first and most obvious way to prevent further blocks in the sewer line is to apply some common sense. Don’t flush or drain items such as diapers, grease, or paper products as these only contribute to blockage issues. Also, one of the most common causes of blocked sewer lines is a result of tree roots growing in the sewer line. Know where your pipes are and be smart about where you plant your trees and do your landscaping.
It is also important to know the location of your sewer cleanout. While some homes do not have a clean out installed, they are often required and are the responsibility of the property owner to keep uncovered and easily accessible. It can be disheartening to be asked by the sewer company where your cleanout is and have to pay additional costs to have it found.
Acting quickly to get the problem solved can decrease the stress of such a situation and can allow the proper repair professionals the time they need to respond. It is also a safety and health concern to leave this problem alone any longer than it should. If you experience a sewage backup, quick thinking and response can greatly reduce the amount of damage done to your property, that’s really what it comes down to.
This is good advice for the household as well, because many of these tips are centered around prevention, the best kind of cure.
Of course, it would not be a smart how to guide and helpful article if I did not finish by strongly advising you to always seek qualified professional assistance when it comes to all matters of plumbing and sewage
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