Protect your home from sewer backups!

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Sewer backups can wreak havoc in your home and SERVPRO is Here to Help!

Most homeowners don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance
and repair of their house and sewer pipe(lateral)that is, the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the
building.

What causes sewer backups?

• Aging sewer systems. The American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that
  the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years
  old. The increase in the number of homes connected to already aging sewage
  systems has also contributed to rapid increases in sanitary sewer backups,
  flooded basements and overflows.
• Combined pipelines. Problems arise in systems that combine storm water and raw
  sewage into the same pipeline. During many rain storms, the systems are exposed
  to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup
  situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying
  drains.
• Tree roots. Seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way
  into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage
  or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the
  problem tree's owner. When the issue is a result of a combination of city and
  private trees, the costs are sometimes split between the city and the property
  owner.

How you can prevent backups

• Properly dispose of grease.Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant
  container and disposed of properly after it cools off, not in the drain.
  Washing grease down the drain with hot water is unsatisfactory. As the grease
  cools off, it will solidify either in the drain, the property owner's line, or
  in the main sewer causing the line to constrict and eventually clog.
• Properly dispose of paper products. Paper towels, disposable (and cloth)
  diapers, hygienic wipes and feminine products do not deteriorate quickly and
  can cause a great deal of trouble in the property owner's lateral as well as in
  the city main.
• Periodically cut tree roots. If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your lateral pipe, you may have to regularly have the roots cut by a professional.
• Replace your line with new plastic pipe.Plastic pipe will prevent tree roots from entering your line. 

A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house or business,Creating a biohazard situation! Prompt cleanup of affected property will help minimize the inconvenience and prevent
mold or further damage and should include.

• Wet-vacuuming or removal of spillage
• Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant.
• Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures
• Steam cleaning or removing wet carpets or drapes.
• Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or wall covering.
• Cleanup of ductwork

If you experience a sewer backup situation,contact SERVPRO of
Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton. We are Here to Help! Click Here 

Like it never even happened.