A sewer backup is when the contents of the sewer system (which is usually a pipe below your home or business) back up into the area where your home or business is located. This can happen for a number of reasons including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or flooding. The consequences of a sewer system backup can be dangerous and can cause significant damage to your home or business if not prevented. If you suspect that your sewer line has been damaged or is being affected by an underground flood, you should shut off the main valve before doing anything else. Doing so will prevent sewage from entering your home or business, but it may not be enough to prevent damage if the backup is severe. After the flood has subsided, you will need to address the damage with restoration services so that your home or business can be brought back to its original condition as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about what to do in the event of a sewer backup and some of its potential consequences.
A sewer system is a network of pipes that are used to transport human waste away from buildings and into waterways, where it can be treated before being released back into the environment. The pipes that make up a sewer system can be either concrete or clay. As you can probably imagine, these materials are not very flexible, so they will break if they are bent or compressed too much. This can be caused by heavy rains or earthquakes, or by the pressure of the sewage itself. If this happens, sewage will begin to flow back up into the buildings where it originated. This is called a sewer line break. The break may be as small as a few inches or as large as several feet wide. It may even be a breach that connects the sewer line to the surrounding soil. The breach will need to be repaired before the sewer system can be reconnected to the sewage treatment facility.
Most sewer line breaks are preceded by a number of warning signs. If you have been observing any of these signs in your area, it is best to have a professional sewer cleaning contractor come out to inspect the pipes. Some of the common warning signs include:- Strong or unpleasant sewer or sewage smell- Water discoloration or discarding- Cracking or shifting sewer or sewage pipes- Strong or unpleasant sewer or sewage odors- Water leaks or wet areas near the sewer line.- Strong or unpleasant sewage sounds- Strong or unpleasant sewage noises- Increased water use or higher water bills- Water pressure fluctuations- Changes in water quality or water clarity- Cracks in foundation walls- Cracks in interior walls- Mold growth- Ripped-up or missing landscaping- Broken or displaced utility lines- Excessive amounts of silt in the water supply- Excessive amounts of sand or dirt in the water supply- Excessive turbidity (cloudiness) in the water supply- Excessive quantities of iron, manganese, or copper in the water supply- Excessive quantities of bacteria in the water supply- Excessive quantities of phosphorus in the water supply- Excessive quantities of carbon in the water supply- Excessive quantities of oil or fuel in the water supply
The cost of repairing damage caused by a sewer backup is directly related to the amount of damage. If the backup is only a few inches deep or is limited to a few square feet, then the repair cost will be small. However, a catastrophic sewer backup that floods a large area of the home or business will likely cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim to cover the costs of repairing the damage. However, it is important to remember that most policies have a 24-hour time limit for reporting damage and filing a claim. It is also important to note that the sewer system may also be at risk of being condemned by the city or county. If this happens, the city or county will require you to replace your sewer line at your own expense.
A sewer system backup is a serious problem that can cause serious damage to your home or business. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of experiencing a sewer backup and the damage that can come with it. First, you should be sure that you have a good sewer system. If your home is located in an area that experiences heavy rainfall or has clay soil that can be easily compacted, it may be a good idea to use a sewer cleaning contractor to check the pipes for damage. You should also be aware of when your sewer system is most likely to experience an issue and what to do in the event of a backup. If you have a homeowner's insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim to cover the costs of repairing the damage. However, it is important to remember that most policies have a 24-hour time limit for reporting damage. You should also be aware of the potential consequences of a sewer backup and the risks associated with each one.