Flood damage is a bad thing, but the damage caused by a sewer backup is far worse. Sewage belongs to Category 3 water, which is highly dangerous. It is a host to viruses, bacteria, and water-borne diseases that can seriously impair health in addition to the aesthetic and structural damage that it can bring.
Thankfully, there are ways to avoid the dangers of a sewage backup. ServiceMaster by Reed discusses the early signs of a sewage backup and how this event can be prevented.
Common Causes of Sewer Backups
- Tree Roots
- Obstructions in the Sewer Line(e.g. grease, hair, etc.)
- Broken, Cracked, or Collapsed Sewer Lines
- Heavy Flooding
- Grease Buildup
- Items Flushed Down a Drain
Common Causes of Sewer Backups
Foul odors
- Your drains are normally not sources of any foul smells. If there's been a nasty odor coming from them, it could indicate a problem in the sewer line.
- Drains in good working condition direct water away from your home, so there must be no lingering bad smells around.
Simultaneous clogging in multiple drains
- It is unusual to have two or more drains clog at the same time. This reflects a main sewer line issue.
- If a drain you rarely use is clogged, it's time to get the sewer pipes checked.
Slow flushing of toilets
- If the water takes a long time to go down the toilet bowl, it could be indicative of a bigger problem. More so if a bathroom plunger cannot remedy it.
Presence of bubbles
- Bubbles are formed by trapped air from water that is trying to flow through the blocked area of a drain.
- To test for clogs, fill up your sink and bathtub with two inches of water and observe if bubbles form. Bubble formation signifies a sewer backup in this case, but do remember that bubbles can appear after plunging.
Sewer cleanout backup
- The sewer cleanout is a capped pipe that provides an access to the sewer line.
- If water or sewage spills out of this pipe, there is a great possibility that your sewer line is clogged.
How to Prevent a Sewer Backup?
Clogs in the sewer pipe are the main cause of a sewage backup. Prevent sewer backups by doing the following:
- Have a professional install drain plugs below the floor drain grates.
- Install a standpipe to catch the water that overflows from the drain.
- Install an overhead sewer to prevent basement flooding.
It’s best to work with a licensed plumber or professional to explore your options regarding sewer backup prevention. If sewer backup is not prevented ahead of time, find a reliable restoration company to deal with the damage.
The ServiceMaster Restore Sewer Backup Cleaning Process
We have a detailed cleanup process that will protect your belongings, carefully and safely eliminate all backup waste, and get your home back to its pre-damaged state as quickly as possible.
Our process includes:
- Specialized removal of sewage and water to help eliminate parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
- Removal of contaminated furnishings, carpet and flooring, and, when necessary, other surfaces that have been exposed to potential contamination.
- Use of industry-leading equipment, including professional-grade air movers to ventilate and dry the area.
- Cleaning and disinfecting of the area to prevent the spread of microbes that may cause disease or sickness, and when necessary, treatment of the area to help prevent future mold and mildew growth.
- Post-disinfection service application that provides long-lasting antimicrobial protection against mold, bacteria, and fungi for up to 90 days.
- Ongoing guidance and support, backed by 65+ years of industry leadership.
Call Us for Emergency Sewer Backup Cleanup Services in Miami, Florida
For a fast response to your sewer backup emergency, ServiceMaster by Reed is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (954) 799-4420. We service residential and commercial properties in Miami, Florida, and surrounding areas and counties.
You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment or email us at smreedoffice1@aol.com. Our office is located at 1210 Stirling Rd. Unit # 8A Dania Beach, FL 33004.
An independent franchise business licensed to serve you by ServiceMaster Restore®.