Dealing with a sewage backup is something nobody wants to do, but if it ever happens to you, know that many have walked this path and lived to tell the tale. Imagine coming home after a long day, finally ready to relax, only to be greeted by the unmistakable scent of raw sewage in your basement, along with the sound of gurgling toilets upstairs. For some, this scene might play out in their minds as caricatures of basement dwellers work their magic on all manner of plumbing problems. And that's a shame. Experience shouldn't have water/sewer plumbing on the resume.
But if it happens to you, know that there are all kinds of reasons for sewer backups, many of them relatively fixable if you know what you're doing (or if you know someone who knows what they're doing). Here's a basic rundown.
Let's be honest; these times are messy and very annoying. But during the chaos, it's crucial to understand that the main key to a fast resolution is comprehension of the situation at hand.
For example, conventional techniques like blowers or serpentine augers might be employed to remove a simple obstruction in your home's drainage system.
Alternatively, if it's the outcome of municipal systems that are overburdened, then what you're faced with can be classified as a 'category 3' problem—essentially the public's top enemy of clean and healthy homes.
In such situations, contacting knowledgeable professionals is the best way to move forward, because they have the tools, wisdom, and, yes, grit to manage those more unpleasant tasks.
Next, let's discuss how to prevent plumbing issues, which, as the old saying goes, is often the best medicine. Routine examinations of your plumbing system can save you a world of pain (and expense) in the future. Easy resolutions like keeping your sewer lateral clear, putting a sump pump in your basement, and being careful about what you let into your drains can carry you a long way. Think of it as akin to dental hygiene—not the most exciting topic in the world, but absolutely essential to avoiding the plumbing equivalent of an unexpected sewage backup. Staying informed and vigilant is your first defense, and when it all goes sideways, know that we are standing at the ready to restore tranquility to your domicile.