3 Aspects to Know About Domestic Sewer Backups
One of the many reasons why homeowners call for emergency plumbing services is because of sewer backups. A blocked wastewater line is a cause for concern because it can lead to flooding of your home. Besides, damaging your property and valuables, overflowing wastewater is a health hazard. Cleaning wastewater is no easy task, and you might need home cleaning services, which can set you back hundreds of dollars. Therefore, homeowners should recognise the tell-tale signs of sewer backups and institute repair measures early. Here are a few aspects to know about domestic sewer backups.
1. Understand Sewer Backups
Sewer lines or drains are integral in a plumbing system because they remove wastewater from toilets, shower, washing areas, and sinks. The water is then channelled into a municipal sewer line. A sewer drain might gradually get clogged, forcing water to back up into a home. Dirt and debris, coupled with the possibility of a domestic sewer line getting breached by tree roots, are the common reasons for blockage. Sewer back up can cause severe water damage to your home. In addition, contaminated water can lead to mould growth due to the dampness caused by moisture. Sewer backups can be localised to one area or affect an entire home because of a blockage in the main sewer line.
2. Perform Preventive Maintenance
Instead of waiting until a sewer line blocks and sends wastewater back into your home, you should practice preventive maintenance. Proper waste disposal is one way of ensuring minimal sewer blockage. For instance, don't pour liquids or force certain solids into the drains, including sanitary items, fruit and vegetable peelings, fats, and oils. Also, consult a tree professional to remove roots before they damage your sewer line. Alternatively, you can replace older cast iron drains with plastic alternatives, which allow roots to grow around them.
3. Diagnose and Repair
When you call for emergency plumbing services to repair a sewer backup problem, an expert will identify the source of the problem by performing visual and video inspections. Temporary solutions to sewer backup problems should be avoided, especially if the issue is recurrent. For instance, liquid sewer cleaners might not remove physical blockages. A common repair procedure is the use of high-pressure water, which forces dirt and debris out of a sewer system. Scrubbing a sewer line using pressured water is effective and does not lead to breakages. If a sewer line is seriously damaged, especially when breached by roots, you must replace it with a durable sewer pipe.
Learn more by contacting local 24/7 plumbing services.