Sewage backups in the home can be a nightmare! Not only are they gross and unsanitary, but they can also cause significant damage to your property and expose you and your family to dangerous contaminants and bacteria. If you're dealing with sewage problems in your home, there's a good chance you're wondering how it happened and how you can prevent it from happening again.
In this post, we'll explore the common causes of sewage backups in homes and provide tips on how to avoid them in the future. We'll also discuss the potential dangers of floodwaters and contaminated water after a sewage backup, so you can better protect yourself and your family from harm.
Hair, toilet paper, and other debris that are improperly flushed down the toilet can accumulate in the pipes over time, eventually causing a blockage. This blockage can cause sewage to back up into your home, which may result in a mess of all sorts of unpleasant smells and substances. To avoid this, make sure everyone in your household knows what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Baby wipes, cooking grease, and feminine hygiene products are just a few examples of things that you should never flush.
Tree roots growing into underground pipes is among the most common causes of sewage backups. As trees grow, their roots can extend and penetrate sewer lines, causing blockages and damage to the pipes. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to know where your sewer lines are located on your property and avoid planting trees or other plants near those areas. If there is damage, however, it's best to consult a professional plumber to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
When sewers become overloaded with water due to heavy rainfall, the excess water can cause backups and overflows. This can be especially dangerous because the water can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. If you live in an area that's prone to heavy rains, consider investing in a sump pump or a backup power source for your home to help prevent sewage backups in the future.
When a sewage backup occurs, it's important to avoid contact with the contaminated water as much as possible. Sewage water can contain a range of dangerous contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Exposure to these contaminants can cause serious health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory infections. If you do come into contact with sewage water, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of illness.
If you're dealing with a sewage backup in your home, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage and protect your health. At Bio-One of Pittsburgh, we can handle all types of sewage backups and other biohazard situations. We use specialized equipment and techniques to safely clean up the contamination and restore your home to a safe, healthy condition. Don't hesitate to reach out for help!
