Prevent Sewage Backup

How to prevent sewage backups

A sewer backup can be a disastrous event for any homeowner or business owner. Not only is it unpleasant to deal with, but it can also cause significant damage to the property, create health hazards, and lead to costly repairs. Understanding the causes of sewer backups can help you take steps to prevent them.

Tree Roots in Sewer Pipe

Tree Roots

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer backups. As trees grow, their roots can extend and enter the sewer pipes, causing blockages and obstructions. The roots can also crack or damage the pipes, allowing debris to accumulate, which can eventually lead to a backup. This is why it's important to choose the right location when planting trees, especially near your home or business's sewer lines.

Grease Buildup

Grease Buildup

Another common cause of sewer backups is grease buildup. Grease is a common byproduct of cooking and can accumulate in the drainpipes over time. This grease can stick to the inside of the pipes, causing blockages that lead to backups. You should never pour grease down the drain, as this will only contribute to the problem. Instead, wipe excess grease off pans and dispose of it in the trash can.

Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items

Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items

Flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet or sink can also cause sewer backups. Items like wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and even dental floss can accumulate in the pipes and create blockages. These items should be disposed of properly in the trash can, rather than flushed down the toilet or sink.

Damaged Pipes

Old or Damaged Pipes

Old or damaged pipes can also cause sewer backups. Pipes can deteriorate over time due to age, corrosion, or damage caused by external factors such as tree roots. When pipes become damaged or corroded, they can collapse or become blocked, resulting in backups. It's important to have your plumbing system inspected regularly by a professional to identify any potential problems with your pipes.

Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall can also cause sewer backups. When it rains heavily, especially if the rain is sudden and intense, the amount of water entering the sewer system can overwhelm the pipes. This can cause the water to back up into your home or business, creating a serious problem. To prevent this from happening, consider installing a backflow prevention valve, which can help protect your property from sewer backups during heavy rainfall.

In conclusion, a sewer backup can be caused by a variety of factors, including tree roots, flushing non-biodegradable items, grease buildup, old or damaged pipes, and heavy rainfall. By understanding these causes, you can take steps to prevent backups from occurring, such as proper disposal of non-biodegradable items, regular pipe inspections, and installing backflow prevention valves. If you do experience a sewer backup, it's important to contact a professional plumber immediately to minimize the damage and ensure the problem is resolved quickly and safely.

In the event of a sewer backup, it is important to take swift action to minimize damage and protect your family’s health. Contact a professional restoration company like PDQ Restoration for immediate assistance. Sewage poses a health risk due to the presence of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. Professionals will use specialized equipment to safely remove the sewage and restore your home to its pre-loss condition.

In conclusion, a sewer backup can be caused by numerous factors, including clogs, tree roots, broken pipes, and heavy rain or flooding. It is essential to take preventative measures to avoid these issues and address any problems promptly. Remember to contact a professional restoration company like PDQ Restoration for immediate assistance in the event of a sewer backup.

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Morristown, NJ

PDQ claimed all affected contents. Next was the removal the sewage. Then a team came in and cleaned all affected surfaces. Fans and dehumidifiers were then set up to bring the moisture level back down to normal. The basement was brought back to its o...

Dover, NJ

PDQ came in and removed all sewage from the basement. After the basement was free of sewage it was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Contents were claimed. A hydroxyl was placed in the basement to get rid of the odor.

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

PDQ responded within the hour and had a truck at the house. The crew leader led the team to extract all sewage and set up fans and dehumidifiers. All walls were dried out. The contents were cleaned in place.

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After a plumbing mishap we reached out to PDQ. Elizabeth answered the call and was at our home within the hour. She thoroughly explained the impact of the damages and the next steps the team would take to address the water damage. The crew was dispat...

Wayne, NJ

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Elizabeth was terrific! We had a flood in our finished basement and she arrived in les then an hour. After the initial moisture inspection she sat down with me and explained the entire process. We decided to go through insurance and she even helped p...

Montclair, NJ

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I had a wonderful experience with Kevin cleaning up a horrible horrible mess. He came every day to check the machines. He was here the first night until late, cleaning everything. I wish all service people were like him. He made me feel comfortab...

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Know what to do in the future if your sewer ever backs up!