What I learned is that someone (and I don't know who) had recently called a company and had their lines rooted. What they failed to do was notify the city that they had performed this service. Here are a few things that you can do to protect your home from a sewer backup:
1. The cheapest fix I got was to buy a FloodGuard for my floor drain. Water flows normally through the drain until the sewer begins to back up. Then the float rises to seal off the drain href="/links/?u=http://www.plumbingsupply.com">http://www.plumbingsupply.com
2. Make sure you have a sump-pump, check valve and a manual shut-off valve. The check valve has a flapper that shuts when the water in the public sewer tries to flow back into the house. You can also close the manual shut-off valve when you choose, in order to protect yourself in special circumstances....
3. Looking into having your basement drain-tiled - expensive but well worth it and tax deductible in some cases!
4. Make sure your property is graded
I hope this NEVER happens to you but if it does before you call your mom crying (like me) make sure that you TAKE PICTURES and document everything! In most cases you wont be there when they perform the restoration process, but your insurance company will want every detail that you can provide.
A sewer backup problem can be disheartening and disgusting. Waking up one morning to find your basement or bathroom flowed with raw sewage can be a terrible experience. Furthermore situations like this can cause toxic black mold growth, which can be a large health hazard. It is important to know what to do when your home experiences a sewage backup, and how to prevent it.
Step 1: Deal With the Issue Quickly
Immediately discontinue use of all water inside and outside of your home. You may even want to turn water supply off to toilets and sinks if you have children so they do not accidentally make the problem bigger. Ask to use a neighbors facilities if you must, but don't continue to use water lines as the blockage will not allow water flow and will continue to cause more damaging sewer backup.
If the problem is a city sewer issue the crew will be able to unblock the line, but if not you will have to call your own plumber and have them fix the problem. In either case, don't wait around while the problem continues to get worse.
Step 2: Prevention
This is a vital step whether you are recovering from a backup or want to know how to prevent sewer backup problems. The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it from occurring, or in some instances prevent it from happening again. Talk with your plumber or sewage line repair company to find simple ways to improve your system and decrease the risk of problems.
A few lifestyle tips will also help in the prevention of sewer problems. The first is the be smart about what you are putting down your drains. Don't flush or drain items such as diapers, grease, or paper products as these only contribute to blockage issues. Also be sure to keep in mind the location of your sewer lines when planting new trees or installing any landscaping.
1. The cheapest fix I got was to buy a FloodGuard for my floor drain. Water flows normally through the drain until the sewer begins to back up. Then the float rises to seal off the drain href="/links/?u=http://www.plumbingsupply.com">http://www.plumbingsupply.com
2. Make sure you have a sump-pump, check valve and a manual shut-off valve. The check valve has a flapper that shuts when the water in the public sewer tries to flow back into the house. You can also close the manual shut-off valve when you choose, in order to protect yourself in special circumstances....
3. Looking into having your basement drain-tiled - expensive but well worth it and tax deductible in some cases!
4. Make sure your property is graded
I hope this NEVER happens to you but if it does before you call your mom crying (like me) make sure that you TAKE PICTURES and document everything! In most cases you wont be there when they perform the restoration process, but your insurance company will want every detail that you can provide.
A sewer backup problem can be disheartening and disgusting. Waking up one morning to find your basement or bathroom flowed with raw sewage can be a terrible experience. Furthermore situations like this can cause toxic black mold growth, which can be a large health hazard. It is important to know what to do when your home experiences a sewage backup, and how to prevent it.
Step 1: Deal With the Issue Quickly
Immediately discontinue use of all water inside and outside of your home. You may even want to turn water supply off to toilets and sinks if you have children so they do not accidentally make the problem bigger. Ask to use a neighbors facilities if you must, but don't continue to use water lines as the blockage will not allow water flow and will continue to cause more damaging sewer backup.
If the problem is a city sewer issue the crew will be able to unblock the line, but if not you will have to call your own plumber and have them fix the problem. In either case, don't wait around while the problem continues to get worse.
Step 2: Prevention
This is a vital step whether you are recovering from a backup or want to know how to prevent sewer backup problems. The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it from occurring, or in some instances prevent it from happening again. Talk with your plumber or sewage line repair company to find simple ways to improve your system and decrease the risk of problems.
A few lifestyle tips will also help in the prevention of sewer problems. The first is the be smart about what you are putting down your drains. Don't flush or drain items such as diapers, grease, or paper products as these only contribute to blockage issues. Also be sure to keep in mind the location of your sewer lines when planting new trees or installing any landscaping.