Sewage backups can cause damages to floors, wall, appliance, electrical wiring, and other possessions. Not only do backups cause these damages, but the repair is also costly, and most homeowners’ insurance does not cover it. Even if your homeowner’s insurance does cover sewage backup damage, it is something that you should avoid. Sewage backups are not only messy and smell awful, but it exposes your family to bacteria and diseases. Here are tips on how to prevent a sewage backup in your home.
Pouring Grease Down the Disposal
Your garbage disposal was not made to handle things like grease. Pouring grease and other fats and oils down the drain leads to a sewage backup as it is difficult for the wastewater treatment to break down these substances. If these substances cannot break down properly, they start to solidify and cause a blockage. The blockage that occurs does not allow other foods to pass by, which ends up leading to a sewage backup.
Install a Backwater Valve
The best way to protect against sewage backup is to have a backwater valve installed into your home’s water drainage system. A backwater valve works through gravity. When house water is draining the valve stays open, and it closes when sewer water starts to flow in the wrong direction. If sewer water starts to flow backward, it pushes the valve shut, preventing any sewer water from getting into your home. A backwater valve should have an inspection done regularly, as the valve can be forced shut or jammed by debris.
Only Flush Toilet Paper Down Your Toilet
You should only throw toilet paper down the toilet. Most people assume that all paper products are safe for flushing. However, paper products such as disposable diapers, paper towels, feminine products, wipes, and hygiene products are not safe for your sewer. You should always put these items in the trash. None of these items dissolve. Therefore, when you throw them into the toilet, they actually cause a blockage. If the blockage becomes too big, it will cause a backup in your sewer line. You could face bigger issues if you don’t address this soon.
Watch Tree Growth
While you may not have any trees right around your sewer line, roots from a neighbor’s tree may cause a backup. You should make sure that any tree near your sewer line is not getting too big. If the roots reach your sewer line, they can grow into your sewer line and cause holes and blockages. Tree roots can also wrap around your sewer line and crush it. Repairing a crushed sewer line is a lot more expensive than dealing with an overgrown tree.
Take Care of Your Sewage Backup
Even when you do your best to prevent sewage backup, the issue can still occur. Don’t waste time trying to clean up the sewage yourself. It can be dangerous, and you may not get it all. If you have sewage backup problem, then call the professionals at Green Genie Cleaning. We offer 24/7 cleanup of sewage backup because we know that a quick sewage cleanup is best. We also use only eco-friendly products to keep you and your family safe. Call us today at 716-221-6829 and get rid of the sewage stink.