In any home, plumbing is essential because it brings water to the right places, such as faucets, the shower, and the toilet. For this reason, the pipes and other plumbing fixtures must be maintained to ensure they’re not blocked or leaking. Otherwise, it could lead to further problems, such as sewage overflows.
Sewage overflows are never easy to fix because they can cause significant damage to your home and can be very difficult and expensive to clean up. Fast response is necessary, especially if the overflow comes from a toilet or other frequently used fixture. Plumbing repairs can be costly, so it’s vital to catch the problem early and take care of it before it worsens. However, few people know how to handle sewage overflows, so we’ll guide you in this article.
What Causes a Sewage Overflow?
There are many reasons a sewage overflow can happen, but the following are the most common:
Clogged Pipes
The pipes that carry sewage through your house can get clogged and cause a backup. Common causes of clogged pipes include a buildup of grease, hair, and other debris. If the pipes are not cleaned regularly, the debris can accumulate and cause a blockage in the pipe.
Broken Pipes
Another common reason for sewage overflows is a broken pipe. Pipes can fail for several reasons, such as a clog that is too large for the pipe and causes it to burst or a tree root that has grown into the pipe and caused it to break.
Plumbing Fixture Problems
Problems with your fixtures can also cause sewage overflows. Toilets can get clogged when too much toilet paper is used or a child flushes a toy. Clogged drains can also cause sewage overflows, especially if you have a double sink where one sink is clogged, and the other is not.
The Health Risks of a Sewage Overflow
A sewage overflow is a health hazard because it can cause diseases like hepatitis A, dysentery, and cholera. The water can also contain harmful chemicals and bacteria that cause skin infections.
If you come into contact with sewage, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If the sewage has contaminated your clothing, you should remove the clothing and wash it with hot water and detergent. You should see a doctor immediately if you have come into contact with sewage and have any cuts or open wounds.
What to Do When a Sewage Overflow Happens
If you have a sewage overflow, you must take care of it as soon as possible. Sewage overflows can cause a lot of damage to your home and can be very difficult to clean up. Here are some tips on what to do if you have a sewage overflow:
Turn Off the Water
If you have a sewage overflow, you should first turn off the water to your home. This will stop the flow of water and prevent the overflow from worsening.
Don’t Use Your Plumbing Fixtures
If you have a sewage overflow, you should not use any of your plumbing fixtures. This includes your toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower. If you use these fixtures, you could spread the sewage around your home.
Clean Up the Area
Cleaning the area affected by sewage overflow will be tricky because it’s dirty. You must wear gloves and other protective clothing to keep yourself safe. You should also ventilate the area as much as possible.
Start by removing any solid waste from the area. You can use a shovel for this. Next, you will need to disinfect the area. You can do this by using a bleach and water solution. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bleach bottle. Once the area is clean, you will need to dry it out. This can be done with fans or by opening windows.
Call a Plumber
You need to call a plumber if you have a sewage backup in your home. They will be able to help you clean up the mess and fix the problem that caused it.
Conclusion
Sewage overflows are never good because they can damage your home and cause various health issues. As such, you should never take plumbing issues lightly since they can be a significant inconvenience. All that matters is that you immediately call a professional plumber to fix the problem.
Restoration Solutions provides top-quality services for water damage repair in Fort Worth, TX. Our services are available 24/7, so you don’t have to wait too long to get your plumbing issues fixed. Simply go to our website to request a free estimate!
