What Is Sewer Backup?

A sewer backup is a dangerous event. This occurs when any sewage or wastewater comes up through your drains, sinks, toilets, or other plumbing. There are numerous potential causes, but it’s usually related to something blocking the sewer and wastewater from getting out of the system and into the municipal storm sewer. Unlike water backup, sewer backup is a serious hazard to everyone’s health.

The first thing that should be done is to vacate the home. Sewer gases are dangerous and can cause a host of health problems, respiratory issues, diseases, and even death. Plus, the raw sewage and wastewater are filled with bacteria and potentially harmful contaminants that could affect people and pets living in the home.

Once everyone is out of the home, call an emergency plumber to come out and resolve the issue for you. They will have the proper equipment and breathing apparatus to enter the home and determine what is causing the backup in the first place. This may require sewer line inspections, putting a camera through the system, or digging up the yard to find and fix the problem.

Whatever it may be, sewer backup is rarely a simple fix. Fortunately, if you call a plumber right away, it will at least be easier to fix than if you let it go any longer. Plus, getting it resolved immediately will protect everyone’s health and allow you to live comfortably in your home.

Before you leave the home, you should also turn off the power so that there are no electrical or shock hazards. Document all the damage and make sure that you get a full report from the plumber, both for your records and for insurance purposes. Make sure that you keep copies of all the bills and payments that you make so that you can file for reimbursement with your home insurance provider.

If you decide to clean the backup yourself, make sure that you have protective boots and rubber gloves, along with a mask or breathing apparatus that will protect you from inhaling dangerous gases and potential bacteria.

Sewer backup is serious, and it’s often best left to the professionals. Make sure that you get help right away and get your home back in a livable condition in less time. The good news is that when you hire Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing, you’ll rest assured that your issues are fully resolved, no matter what’s going on.