To know how to avoid sewage backup in your basement, you have to know what is causing it. Once you have that figured out, you can work towards solving the problem. Keep reading to learn about the likely causes of basement backups.
How To Avoid Sewage Backup in Your Basement
There are three main causes of basement backups. They mostly cause an overflow when you run the washing machine or flush the toilet downstairs. Knowing what causes the problem will help you solve the problem. that’s why, for this blog, we’re going to focus on what causes sewage to back up into the basement in order to know how to avoid that actually happening. Knowledge is power, and when you know better you do better. Here’s what causes a backup, and how to avoid sewage backup in your basement
Clogged Sewer Lines
If your main sewer line gets clogged, you’ll have multiple drains backing up simultaneously. This means the wastewater from your home is not going into the city sewer. Instead, it’s going into your basement. This will likely be your first drain with issues. There are many ways the sewer line can be clogged, so diagnosis is key. Give us a call for a free estimate. Another tip on how to avoid sewage backup in your basement is proper Maintenence.
Damage to Your Sewer Line
If your sewer line is damaged, you won’t have proper flow. Tree roots may have infiltrated your pipes. Another cause can be broken, cracked, or compromised pipes. If your pipes are old, they may need replacement or repair.
Heavy Rain, Storms, and Flooding
Sometimes a backup in your basement has nothing to do with clogged drains. Instead, it could occur if your city’s sewer system cannot handle heavy rains. If the abundance of water overwhelms the system, the water ends up flooding local basements. While you can’t predict the weather, proper maintenance is one way how to avoid sewage backup in your basement.
What if My Basement Backs Up?
Even though we are covering how to avoid sewage backup in your basement, it can still happen. If sewage backs up in your basement, make sure the flooded area is properly cleaned and sanitized. This will ensure you won’t be exposed to harmful bacteria or parasites. Here are some tips for cleaning sewage backups within your home:
Wear Protective Gear
When cleaning up sewer waste, make sure you are wearing long sleeves, pants, and boots. Eye protection, a ventilator, and gloves are also crucial. Cover any cuts or open wounds with a waterproof bandage. You also want to make sure you do not touch your face during the clean-up process, even if you have gloves. Don’t forget to change your gloves often, and if it’s too much work for you give us a call to help.
Use Old Towels or Rags to Soak Up the Wastewater
Choose rags and cleaning cloths that you can throw away after you’re done. If you don’t have such material, consider stopping by a thrift store to purchase some. We really discourage people from using a shop vac, since they are harder to sanitize and cleanout. If you don’t mind the extra waste, heavy-duty paper towels are a great option. Just wrap up anything you throw away to protect your local garbage man.
Remove the Solid Matter with Shovels and Buckets
Properly dispose of any solid waste and cleaning cloths you use in durable trash bags. Once the cleaning is complete, take the bags directly to your outside garbage bins. Please make sure everything is secure for your garbage company. And remember, the best tip on how to avoid sewage backup in your basement, or anywhere, is consistent and proper care.
Do Not Use a Shop Vacuum to Remove Liquid
We already touched on this, but the last thing you should do is use your shop vac for cleaning up waste. Shop vacs are harder to clean and sanitize and can remain dangerous to use after cleaning up sewage. Please do not do this, and instead, call your local plumber. We have the right tools and skills to make sure we’re safe, and most importantly you and your home is safe.
Disinfect Everything
Once everything is dry, disinfect everything. Start with warm water and soap, then move to a combined mixture of water and bleach. If you have a large area to cover, break it into smaller sections.
Doing all these things after a backup is unfortunate, but it’s also a great tip on how to avoid sewage backup in your basement. If these things sound just awful, make sure you’re taking great care of your plumbing or call us to help you.
We Can Help
Our favorite advice on how to avoid sewage backup in your basement is consistent and proper care and sewage line maintenance. Golden Rule Plumbing Service is here for you. With 24-hour emergency plumbing and backflow prevention, we can help solve your plumbing problems. Give us a call today.
