Sewer backups suck.. or is it the other way around?
Either way, if you haven't had maintenance done on your pipes recently or if your sewer system has aged out of current regulations, then sewage backups become a real concern.
HOW TO FIX A SEWAGE BACKUP?
While regular maintenance is the single best thing you can do, there are three crucial steps you can take—as the backup begins—to minimize the damage.
First, gather information and get to a safe place. Second, call a professional company. Third, make sure to ventilate and dry out the affected areas thoroughly.
#1: GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT SEWER BACKUPS
First things first - when a sewer backup happens, ask yourself:
Does the backup contain solids and liquids from your septic system, or did your city's storm sewer cause the backup?
The best way to tell the two apart is by smell. You can also look for other characteristics to differentiate the two.
If your backup originates at the sewage drain, then the backup will be much cloudier and contain items like these that most likely caused the backup. A storm sewer back up will be much clearer and contain things that should be in nature—like leaves and grass.
A sewer drain deals with whatever you're flushing down the toilet, and a storm drain handles water runoff around your house and your city. So, a backup in the storm sewer will result in a much cleaner and clearer disaster.
#2: CALL A PROFESSIONAL
Once you know a little bit more about the kind of backup you're experiencing, call a restoration company and ask if they have liquid drain specialists on staff. The professionals will take things from there.
If you're looking for septic contractors in Calgary or within the Foothills, feel free to reach out to us.
Please don't attempt to enter the backup, even if you think that you can help. Electrical wiring could be exposed and submerged under the water, you can get sick, and much more can go wrong.
It's better to leave this job to an experienced team.
#3: DRYING OUT THE AREA
After the affected area has been drained and cleaned as well as possible, it's time to dry out and de-humidify.
What you need to do to dry up the aftermath varies per area, but the general idea is to reduce the area's humidity as much as possible. Open windows, place fans blowing outward into doorways, and — if you have one — put a dehumidifier in the room.
Drying out the affected area is crucial if you have a sewer backup in the basement.
Make sure to wear protective gear like masks, gloves, and rubber boots when working in the aftermath of a sewer backup.
The more you can do to reduce your chances of mould and mildew, the better.
DON'T SLEEP ON PREVENTION, THE REALITY OF SEWER BACKUPS STINKS
Sewer backup prevention is the best thing you can do to stop your sewage from spiling back into your house.
We offer regular inspections and maintenance to the Foothills area and Calgary. If you're looking for septic contractors in Calgary, our team would be happy to speak with you about prevention methods.
Ultimately, regular maintenance to prevent sewer backups will save you a pretty penny in both cleaning fees and repair costs.