Sewage Backup Causes and What To Do

2/20/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners and business owners in Memphis, TN can often contend with slow drains, poor water pressure, or blocked pipes. If these problems sound familiar, you've probably used household solutions to overcome them. For more serious concerns, like a backed-up sewer or significant blockage in your plumbing lines, you may need more professional help with sewage cleaning.

Common Causes of Plumbing Issues

Even small plumbing problems can frustrate you, so it is helpful to know how these start. Once you know the root of the concern, you can develop a game plan to solve it. Here are a few:

• Buildup in pipes from sediment, human waste, hair, and food, causing a clogged pipe. 
• Flushing “flushable” wipes—No! They should NOT be flushed and will likely cause a clog.
• Faulty appliances.
• Cold weather freezing pipes, causing them to burst.

Overflowing Toilets

You can face a toilet overflow for several reasons. Your toilet may overflow when you turn on the water in the shower which indicates blockage somewhere between the toilet and the sewer. 

How does this happen? Water backs up in the waste lines and exits the first place it can: the toilet. Repairing this could be as simple as using a plunger. If that is ineffective, you could try using a sewer snake tool. You might have to call a plumber if the job gets too big. If you don't resolve this overflow, you could face significant damage and should proceed to hire a professional sewer cleaning crew. 

If your Sewage System Backs Up

If the main sewer line into your home or business backs up, you'll notice it pretty quickly because of the foul odor. Luckily, if the blockage is under the street and not on your property, your local water and sewer company should take care of it. 

If sewage water enters your home, we recommend treating the situation as an emergency and immediately calling a sewage cleanup company, like SERVPRO at (901) 382-0900. Sewage water is considered Category 3 water, which can cause health effects. Our team has the protection and knowledge to safely clean up and restore your home or business after Category 3 water damage. We respond immediately, giving you peace of mind and reducing your stress during a sewage overflow. 

Pay attention to common plumbing issues and how you can spot and repair them. If you experience a water leak emergency, call SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis. We are Here to Help® 24/7!