Sewage Backup Cleanup in Longview, WA: What You Need to Know

Sewage backup is a common problem that can occur in any home or business. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged pipes, tree roots, and heavy rainfall. When sewage backup occurs, it can cause significant damage to your property and pose a serious health risk to you and your family. That’s why it’s important to know what to do in the event of a sewage backup and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What is Sewage Backup?

Sewage backup occurs when wastewater from your home or business cannot flow through the pipes and instead backs up into your property. This wastewater can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious health problems if not properly cleaned up. Sewage backup can also cause significant damage to your property, including water damage, mold growth, and structural damage.

Causes of Sewage Backup

Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes are one of the most common causes of sewage backup. Over time, pipes can become clogged with debris, such as hair, grease, and food particles. This can cause the water to back up into your property instead of flowing through the pipes.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can also cause sewage backup. As trees grow, their roots can penetrate pipes and cause them to become clogged or damaged. This can cause wastewater to back up into your property.

Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall can also cause sewage backup. When there is a lot of rain, the sewer system can become overwhelmed and unable to handle the volume of water. This can cause the water to back up into your property.

Health Risks of Sewage Backup

Sewage backup can pose serious health risks to you and your family. The wastewater can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses, such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, and E. coli infections. It can also cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, and skin infections.

What to Do in the Event of Sewage Backup

If you experience sewage backup in your home or business, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage and protect your health. Here are the steps you should take:

Step 1: Turn off the Water

The first thing you should do is turn off the water to your property. This will prevent any more wastewater from flowing into your property and causing further damage.

Step 2: Call a Professional

You should then call a professional sewage cleanup company to come and assess the damage. They will have the equipment and expertise to safely and effectively clean up the sewage and prevent further damage to your property.

Step 3: Wear Protective Gear

While you wait for the professionals to arrive, you should wear protective gear, such as gloves, boots, and a mask, to protect yourself from the harmful bacteria and viruses in the wastewater.

Step 4: Document the Damage

You should also document the damage by taking photos and videos. This will be important for insurance purposes and to help the cleanup company assess the damage.

Preventing Sewage Backup

While sewage backup can be a serious problem, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:

Tip 1: Properly Dispose of Waste

One of the best ways to prevent sewage backup is to properly dispose of waste. This means not flushing anything down the toilet except for toilet paper and human waste. You should also avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain, as this can cause clogs.

Tip 2: Regularly Maintain Your Pipes

Regularly maintaining your pipes can also help prevent sewage backup. This means having them inspected and cleaned on a regular basis by a professional plumber.

Tip 3: Install Backflow Prevention Devices

Installing backflow prevention devices can also help prevent sewage backup. These devices prevent wastewater from flowing back into your property by automatically closing off the pipes when there is a backup.

Conclusion

Sewage backup can be a serious problem that can cause significant damage to your property and pose a health risk to you and your family. If you experience sewage backup, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage and protect your health. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can also help prevent sewage backup from happening in the first place.

With the above information sharing about sewage backup cleanup longview wa on official and highly reliable information sites will help you get more information.