If you discover your sewer system has backed up, you must act fast. Follow these tips to help minimize property damage.

Contain the Emergency

For stopped-up drains:

  • Attempt to clear the clog yourself. A plunger can be an effective tool for toilets, sinks, and tub or shower drains.
  • A plumbing snake, also known as an auger, can remove stubborn debris blocking the drain if it’s relatively close to the surface.
  • If neither method works, stop using the stopped-up drain and call a plumber for help.

For more severe backups that have sewer water flowing backward into your home:

  • Shut off any water flowing into the backed-up drain.
  • Turn off the electricity if wastewater gets near electrical outlets.
  • Power down the central HVAC system if wastewater is flowing to prevent it from reaching the furnace or AC through the floor vents.
  • Keep children and pets away from the affected area, whether inside or outside your home.
  • Call a plumber for help.

Schedule Emergency Sewer Repair

When you call for a plumber, they will come to your home to evaluate the situation, clear the sewer line, and get things flowing normally again. Several techniques may be used to repair the sewer, depending on the cause and extent of the damage.

Find a plumber that offers trenchless inspections and repair, if possible. This technology involves less digging and minimal disruption to your landscape for a faster, less costly repair.

Clean Up the Mess

Wastewater cleanup is not a DIY project. Categorized as “gray water,” sewer backups may be contaminated, threatening the health and safety of your family. Still, you must act quickly. If left untreated for 48 hours, gray water may turn into a “black water” problem, with even more contamination and health risks to your family.

That’s why you should turn to DKI. We have 24-hour response teams standing by to answer your request for help at any time of day or night. Expect us to arrive at your home to begin the cleanup process within two hours of receiving your call.

If any of your belongings have been damaged, you may be able to file an insurance claim. Therefore, before cleanup begins, you should take pictures to document the damage.

Prevent Future Sewer Problems

Once your pipes are repaired, and the damage has been cleaned up, you can take specific measures to ensure this problem never happens again:

  • Flush nothing except human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
  • Dump cooking grease in the trash rather than pouring it down the drain.
  • Never plant trees close to sewer lines. If you already have mature trees in your yard, trim the roots or use chemical deterrents to prevent sewer line clogs.

DKI is your source for reliable water damage cleanup, including damage caused by cracked sewer lines or sewage backups. Contact us today at 844-354-2255 to request damage restoration and cleanup services near you.