Why Choose SERVPRO of Carrollton for Cleaning and Restoration Services after a Sewage Backup

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton provides sewage cleanup services for homeowners in Bent Tree, TX, and surrounding communities.

SERVPRO of Carrollton, TX, is equipped and staffed to handle any size or type of property damage restoration project. Teams of highly trained, certified, and experienced technicians are available 24/7, 365 days a year. During the holidays, water, fire, and smoke damage disasters are more frequent. Extra holiday cooking, seasonal decorations, outdoor firepits, fireworks, and extended visits from family and friends increase the risk of a property damage disaster, including a sewage backup.

Sewage Backups: Causes and Prevention

Sewer lines are designed to accommodate the free flow of wastewater into the drainage system or septic tank. When sewer lines become obstructed, the thick, black water that accumulates is a potential health hazard. The contents of the clogged sewer lines are contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and toxins that can cause severe illness if humans or pets are exposed to this toxic water.

Knowledge of the causes of sewage backups can aid homeowners in preventing a hazardous situation in the home. Listed below are important tips on how to prevent and deal with sewage backups.

Causes of a Sewage Backup in the Basement

1. Clogs

Common causes of clogs include hair, congealed grease, or other solid materials that end up in the drains. If all toilets and tubs in the house are experiencing slow movement or backflows, the main sewer line may be clogged.

2. Tree roots

The root structure of trees can seriously damage a sewer line. Roots can crack or crush pipes. Once roots penetrate the sewer line, they can clog the pipe.

3. Damaged sewer lines

Some older homes have cast iron or clay sewage lines which become brittle, crack, and collapse, resulting in a blockage, leak, or backup in the house.

4. Heavy rainfall

Large amounts of rain from a thunderstorm, tropical storm, or hurricane can overwhelm a municipal sewer system. The resulting backflow can flood homes with raw sewage.

How to Avoid a Sewage Backup in the Home

1. Do not pour cooking oil, grease, or fat down the sink or garbage disposal.
2. Dispose of paper products properly. Paper towels, diapers, wipes, or feminine hygiene products can clog a sewer line. Paper products described as “flushable” still do not readily break down and should not be flushed into the sewer system. Dispose of these items in the trash.
3. Replace aging cast iron and clay pipes with modern, stronger plastic pipes.
4. Consider removing trees that are growing on or near the sewer lateral, the line from the home to the main sewer line connection at or near the road. Secure the services of a licensed, bonded, and insured tree surgeon who has experience dealing with trees and tree roots growing on or near a sewer line for more options.
5. Install a backwater prevention valve. This device prevents sewage backflow into a residence or business and can be installed by a professional plumber.
6. For homes with a sewage pump, regular inspection and proper maintenance are vital for keeping the unit functioning efficiently. A battery backup is essential in the event of a power outage.

What to Do Until Help Arrives

1. Do not add to the problem. Avoid using any water or flushing the toilet. Consider shutting off the main water line into the home to ensure no accidental discharges occur.
2. Avoid tracking contaminated sewage throughout the home. What may have started as a small sewage backup localized to the bathroom can balloon into a cleanup and restoration project that involves the entire structure.
3. Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves, eyewear, and rubber boots before walking through sewage water.
4. Notify the insurance company about the sewage backup. A standard homeowners policy may not cover the incident unless endorsements for sewers and drains have been added.
5. If the homeowner suspects that the backup is due to a problem with the main sewer system, he or she should notify the municipal authority or sewer department if the home is connected to a public sewer. An experienced, professional plumber can diagnose the problem.
6. Ventilate the area with fresh air by open windows or doors.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Residential Sewage Cleanup

For a safe, fast sewage cleanup, Bent Tree, TX, homeowners need to enlist the services of a professional property damage restoration company. The Carrollton SERVPRO team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and can be on-site in about an hour. Sewage cleanup requires technicians trained and equipped to address the situation. SERVPRO of Carrollton uses industry-leading cleaning techniques, disinfectants, sanitizers, and deodorizers. When the job is completed, the home is clean, deodorized, and safe for humans and pets.

To learn more about sewage cleanup in Bent Tree, TX, as well as other damage restoration and cleaning services, contact the office by phone at (972) 446-0383 or by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com