Understanding the Risks of Sewer Backups
A sewer backup is one of the worst plumbing problems a home or business owner can face. While exploding pipes and big leaks aren’t exactly a walk in the park, having a sewage backup is one issue most homeowners dread. It is an unfortunate yet common problem in Seattle.
Allied Restoration Company offers Seattle raw-sewage cleanup services for businesses and homes. If your property has recently experienced a sewage clog, call us at 425-458-5756.
If you think your plumbing system might be at risk for a sewage backup, it’s important to know the risks involved and what you should do if the worst happens.
Causes of Sewage Backups
A professional raw-sewage cleanup company can tell you the cause of your sewage backup problem, but here is a list of some of the most common reasons:
- Root infiltration
- Structural defects
- Excessive rain
- Flooding under and around your home
- Blocked pipes
- Leaking or broken pipes
Sewage Backups Are Dangerous
Sewage spreads disease, illness and, in some cases, can be fatal. According to The National Resources Defense Council, sewage contamination causes nearly 2 million illnesses each year. Sewage is loaded with contaminants, bacteria and viruses that pose a serious threat to you, your family and your pets. Additionally, sewage may contain other toxic substances like fungi, pesticides, residuals from pharmaceutical drugs and protozoan.
A few of the most common bacteria found in sewage include:
- Leptospirosis
- Hepatitis
- Heliobacter Pylpri
- Salmonella
- Acanthomoeba
- e. Coli
Coming into contact with any one of these contaminants could make you ill. Having sewage backup in your home is a serious risk, and you should call a professional sewage cleanup company as soon as possible.
Prevent Backups
Here are a few preventative tips to avoid sewage spills:
- Seal all cracks in the floor
- Remove washing machines, sinks and toilets in the basement that could pose a risk
- Consider purchasing a sump pump to pump out the water that collects in the low points in the basement
Remember, if you have a sewage backup, the best step you can take is to call a professional. Allied Restoration Company has a trained response team that knows exactly how to handle the aftermath of a raw-sewage flood. Every second counts when cleaning up raw sewage, so call us today 425-458-5756.