Protect Your Home From Sewer Backup

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes 712-262-4379

Sewer backup can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, furniture, walls, electrical systems, and other belongings. Most homeowner and business insurance policies do not cover sewer backup unless specific sewer backup coverage is added to the policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Sewer backup coverage can be a highly beneficial financial protection for a home or business owner because it adds compensation for sewer backup damage.

Common Causes of Sewer Backups

Tree roots

Roots are the primary cause of a clogged sewer line, especially in older homes. Tree roots can travel far and pose risks to your home even if you don't have trees on your property. Drains located underground start to crack because as these heavy roots start to grow, they wrap around the sewer line and crush the pipes. Gurgling noises and slow-flowing drains are warning signs that tree roots are attacking your sewer system. 

Old Sewer Systems 

Sewer system backups can be caused from broken, collapsed, or cracked lines. Sewer pipes are usually made of PVC, cast iron, clay or Orangeburg. While these materials are durable they deteriorate over time and can cause corrosion that will eventually eat away at the pipes. 

Clogged Drains

Clogs in your home's drain pipes or the city's main sewer line can cause a sewage backup, pushing waste that should flow into the public sewer system back into your home. Hair, cooking grease, or other solid materials that wastewater pipes are not meant to handle. 

Why is Sewage Backup Dangerous?

Sewer backup can be a homeowner's worst nightmare and can be quite dangerous. Coming into contact with raw sewage is a threat, and it can also contaminate the air around you. Sewage backup lets off air-borne contaminants along with physical contaminants. Inhaling the vapors emitted by raw sewage can lead to gastroenteritis, which is commonly associated with fever, vomiting, cramping, and potentially death if left untreated. 

Common health concern with air-borne contamination caused by sewage is asthma. As sewage releases toxins or even infected dust, the risk of breathing in the toxins is very high. Once inhaled, the toxins can attack your upper respiratory system, causing shortness of breath. These fumes are often released into the air during the cleaning process, which is why it is so important to hire a professional. 

How to Prevent Sewage Backups 

• Flush only toilet paper.
• Keep sewer lines clear of tree roots.
• Do not plant trees or bushes near sewer lines or laterals. 
• Avoid putting fat, grease and oil down the drain. 
• Line or replace old pipes.
• Install a sewer backup valve.
• Avoid connecting downspouts, French drains, sump pumps or flood control systems to the sanitary sewer line. 
• Elevate the house drain.
• Hire a professional to inspect your plumbing and sewer lines. 

What to Do if You Experience a Sewer Backup

Prompt cleanup of the affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and prevent mold and further damage. In the event of sewer backup, immediately arrange for the cleanup of your property. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.