Don't Let Sewage Backup Ruin Your Day
2/23/2022 (Permalink)
Few water damage emergencies are as unpleasant as sewage backup on your Ogden, UT, property. In addition to the discomfort caused by this type of flooding, exposure to urine, fecal matter, and other sewage causes a lot of damage.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to keep your plumbing system in good condition and prevent damage to your home.
Preventing Sewage Backup
The first step is avoiding sewage from flooding into your home is recognizing the major causes:
Clogs are some of the most common sources of trouble. Whether something has been inappropriately flushed down the toilet or the grease from the kitchen has caused the clog, when there's an obstruction along the sewer line, waste is forced backward rather than forward.
Broken sewer pipes often go unnoticed until sewer cleaning becomes necessary. Pipes may break because the ground freezes and thaws, tree roots grow into the pipes, age makes them weak, or heavy equipment drives over them.
Heavy rains and other external flooding fill the sewer lines up with water faster than they can drain. This running water may also drag sticks, leaves, and other objects down the drain. This heavy load of water forces water from your home to return through the sewer system.
Vandalism is a less common cause of sewer system trouble, but when drainage systems are purposely filled with debris, the results can mean sewage flooding into your home.
The more you know about how and why this trouble occurs, the better you'll be prepared to prevent problems. Once you've gathered a little bit of education, it's time to take action.
Maintenance
The second preventative step involves maintenance and minor repairs. One of the most commonly given pieces of maintenance advice is educating your family about what can be flushed and what should not be flushed, such as diapers, feminine products, and even too much toilet paper. As your family develops good flushing habits, be sure to address seemingly minor issues, such as a running toilet or slow drainage.
Backwater Prevention Valve Installation
These prevention valves allow water to flow away from your home and stop water from getting back into your home. It is possible to install one of these valves on your own, but sewer cleaning and recovery professionals may be willing to ensure that installation is completed without mistakes. The cost of completing this installation may vary based on the difficulty of the installation and the condition of your plumbing.
Professional Inspections
Plumbers and other sewer system professionals have the tools necessary to recognize the warning signs of trouble, such as encroaching roots and structural weaknesses. Remember that catching and preventing trouble is much less expensive than recovery from a sewer backup. Don't wait until you're forced to hire a storm damage and sewer cleanup team in Ogden, UT. Learn how to avoid clogs and other damage, and take steps today to keep your drains, pipes, and connection to the sewer system in great working condition. Recognize when it's time to call in professionals for more significant prevention methods.