Sewage backup in the basement is a common problem in homes. And if your home is one of the rare ones in Nevada this blog is for you. It can cause an unpleasant odor and a serious mess. When a sewage backup occurs, it can fill your basement with foul-smelling water, which can be tricky to clear. The causes of a sewage backup in your basement may vary depending on your situation. Whatever the reason, sewage backups are nothing to mess with, and not knowing what to do can be even more dangerous. This article will help you understand the causes behind basement sewage backups and what you can do to resolve the problem with the help of a plumbing service in Henderson, NV.
Is Raw Sewage in Your Basement Dangerous?
Raw sewage consists of wastewater, which is made up of human waste, kitchen waste, and other debris. The organic material in sewage decomposes quickly and emits odors and gasses that can be hazardous to human health. Exposure can leave you vulnerable to diseases like E.coli and hepatitis. It’s always safe to assume that raw sewage contains pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that could affect your and your family’s health.
When sewage backs up into your basement, it’s likely to seep into porous materials. This includes cardboard boxes, paper items, and books. You should discard any contaminated items as contact with them can expose you to illnesses.
Electrocution is also a concern when sewage backs up into your basement because it contains water.
Calling a plumbing service to remediate sewage backup in the basement as soon as possible is vital because the longer it remains on the floor, the more it threatens the health of people and pets in the household. Occupants should stay clear of the compromised area, and anyone who is immunocompromised would be better off leaving home until remediation is complete.
What Causes Sewage Backups in the Basement?
Various factors can lead to sewer backups in the basement. Let’s take a closer look.
Clogged Pipes and Sewer Lines
The combination of toilet paper, grease, a two-year-old’s obsession with what will or won’t flush down the toilet, soap scum, and hair can clog the pipes and cause a sewer backup in the basement. A main sewer line clog can also slow down or stop the wastewater flow from your home to the city sewer line. Blockages can also occur if the sump pump in your basement fails.
Tree Roots
One of the leading reasons for cracks in underground drains is heavy tree roots. With time, these roots grow and wrap around drains, crushing the pipes. Shrubs and trees often make their way into the drain cracks in search of moisture. This obstructs the flow and eventually causes sewage backup.
Rain
Severe weather conditions such as heavy rainfall can result in sewage backup, especially if your home is connected to the city’s sewer system. Rainwater overwhelms the system, and sewage backs up into your basement when it can’t take anymore.
Aging Sewer System
Sometimes the problem is as simple as an old sewer system that hasn’t been updated in decades. In the past, pipes were made of cast iron and clay. These materials don’t last very long; when they crack and break down, they create a lot of plumbing problems, such as sewage backup. Call a plumbing service to inspect your system and determine if you need a new one.
How Can You Prevent Sewage Backup in the Basement?
Install Plastic Pipes
If the basement sewage backup was due to damaged pipes, installing high-quality plastic pipes can solve the issue while preventing a future occurrence. It’s an extensive and expensive project but a worthy investment that’ll safeguard your health and wellbeing. Talk to a professional plumber about inspecting your water line and replacing outdated pipes.
Keep the Drains Clog-Free
Small measures like not pouring grease down the drain and properly disposing of paper and feminine products can go a long way toward preventing clogs and sewage backups.
Remove Illegal Plumbing Connections
Illegal plumbing connections to your city sewer line can cause debris to clog your drains. Ensure that your French drain, sump pump, and other flood control systems are legal and up to code. Enlist the help of a plumber to identify and resolve any illegal plumbing connections you may have.
Sump Pump Maintenance
Regular checkups and maintenance of your sump pump are vital to preventing future sewage backups. A professional plumbing service can ensure that the sump pump isn’t sitting on debris that could ruin the motor.
Regular Sewer Inspections
An annual sewer inspection where a plumbing service inspects and cleans the drains is a wise investment that will keep the sewer line from backing up. It offers an opportunity to identify issues like minor obstructions and broken pipes and resolve them before they worsen. In short, regular inspections help save you money on expensive repairs that you may need if sewage backs up into the basement.
What Can You Do If You Have Sewage Backup in the Basement?
Calling a plumbing service in Henderson, NV is the best way to deal with sewage backup in the basement. But before our team arrives, here are a few things you can do to mitigate further damage.
- Evacuate: Sewage is a health hazard, so the first step should be getting everyone, including pets, out of the basement.
- Kill the power: Electric appliances in the basement can become a safety hazard if they come into contact with standing water or wet materials. If you cannot kill the power to the basement safely, avoid the area altogether and don’t use any electrical devices in your home.
- Shut off the water: Be sure to turn off the main water line of your home.
- Notify the municipal authority: If your home is connected to a public sewer, inform the appropriate department of the issue.
- Wear PPE: Don’t wade through the sewage water in your basement without donning protective clothing. This includes a facemask, gloves, eyeglasses, and rubber boots.
- Notify the insurance company: Standard home insurance policies don’t cover sewer backups unless you bought extra endorsements for sewers and drains. Notify your insurance of the backup and find out exactly what’s covered.
- Ventilate: Try to ventilate the basement as much as possible by opening the windows and adding chlorine to the waste. The latter will also help with disinfection.
Call Craig’s Plumbing for Your Emergency Plumbing Needs
A sewage backup is the stuff of nightmares. If you’ve such a problem in your basement, call Craig’s Plumbing for a plumbing service to resolve it right away. Our certified professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to determine the cause of the problem, identify the best solutions, and efficiently repair the problem to restore your plumbing system. We also offer emergency plumbing services to ensure you never have to worry about a sewage backup dwelling in your basement for days. Contact us now to learn more about our plumbing service in Henderson, NV.
