Are Sewer Backups Dangerous?
A sewer backup is something no homeowner ever wants to experience. Of course the mess is a large part of that, but sewer backups also pose serious health risks and can cause severe damage to your property. Even in the United States, where sanitation services are managed with incredible safety in comparison to much of the globe, problems still occur with our sewer systems—more often that you’d think. If you’re reeling from a recent sewer backup, we’re sure you’ve been wondering about the possible short and long-term effects on your home and health. At Provision Property Restoration, we’re experts on sewage emergencies and providing safe, efficient solutions. Read on to learn more about the causes and risks of sewer backups based on our industry knowledge and experience.
Figure 1: “Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services in 2020 (%). Only 120 countries had sufficient data – on treatment and disposal of faecal sludge and sewage – to produce a national estimate for this indicator in 2020.” - UN-Water
What Causes Sewer Backups?
Having a strong grasp of potential causes can equip you to avoid future backups and other issues:
Drain Blockages
Buildup in your drain pipes from grease, hair, debris, and foreign objects can prevent normal wastewater flow and lead to sewage backups.
Tree Roots
Sewer lines are often infiltrated by root growth from nearby trees seeking underground water sources and can cause blockages or damage that leads to sewage leaks or backups. The Atlanta, Georgia region is particularly susceptible to this with many large trees and forests surrounding our homes and buildings.
Broken or Collapsed Pipes
This is more common in older homes with clay or iron pipes, but can happen to any pipework for various reasons.
Heavy Rainfall or Flooding
If municipal sewer systems are overrun with heavy rainfall, water can back up into homes as a result.
Municipal Sewer Issues
Problems within the city’s sewer system can even lead to backups into homes and buildings that are otherwise secure.
Health Risks From Sewage Exposure
The dangers of untreated sewer backups to your health cannot be overstated:
Pathogens
All sorts of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites thrive in sewer water. Gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory infections, and skin conditions can all occur from exposure to these pathogens.
Mold Growth
Mold can spread quickly from water damaged material and cause all manner of allergies and respiratory problems.
Toxic Gas
Methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide are just a few of the dangerous gases released by sewage. Their foul odor is coupled with their toxicity and can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even asphyxiation.
Water Contamination
Sewer backups could even get into your water supply in severe cases, leading to serious health hazards.
Infectious Diseases
Cholera, leptospirosis, and dysentery are a few of the diseases that spread through prolonged exposure to sewage-affected areas and items.
Property Damage and Long-Term Risks
The health of you and your family is always of first importance, but the potential damage to your home and belongings is a serious consideration:
Structural Damage
Sewage water can seep into your home’s foundation and weaken the structure, leading to cracks or even collapse in severe cases.
Electrical Hazards
If sewage water comes into contact with electrical systems, it can cause short circuits, electrocution hazards, and even fires.
Property Damage
Furniture, carpets, and other personal belongings are highly absorbent and can harbor harmful bacteria and odors from sewage. If not addressed immediately, these could be lost entirely.
Stubborn Odor
Sewage carries a horrible, strong odor; even a hint of it would be an unbearable reminder and make it impossible to be comfortable in your own home. Professional cleaning and deodorization is often required to ensure the scent is completely eradicated.
Mold and Mildew
Residual moisture from a sewer backup is the perfect ecosystem for mold growth, which could continue to wreak havoc on your home, belongings, and health.
Why Urgency is Crucial
Quick acting in the event of a sewer backup can save your home, belongings, and health from devastating consequences:
Prevents Further Contamination
Stopping the flow of sewage and removing the contaminated water from your property as quickly as possible will prevent unnecessary spread and damage.
Limits Mold Growth
Mold can begin growing within just 24 to 48 hours, so immediate intervention can be crucial to prevent spores from taking root and requiring costly remediation.
Protects Belongings
Salvaging your furniture, electronics, and important documents will be easier the quicker you can begin the restoration process.
Reduces Costs
It may seem like common sense, but it needs to be said that the longer sewage remains in your home, the more damage and subsequent costs it causes.
Steps to Take After a Sewer Backup
If you experience a sewage issue in your own home or building, take the following steps immediately:
Stop Using Water
Cease all water use in your home to prevent multiplying the problem.
Turn Off the Power
If safe to do so, turn off the power in the affected areas to prevent electrical hazards.
Evacuate the Area
Immediately remove everyone from the affected area, especially children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Contact a Professional Restoration Service
Call Provision Property Restoration immediately. Our professional inspection and consultation services will always be free without any strings attached whatsoever. We’re also available 24/7 to respond to your emergency and are Georgia’s premier water and sewage removal specialists, holding ourselves to our own Provision standards high above the Georgia Department of Public Health’s benchmarks and common industry practices.
Document the Damage
Take plenty of photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. This documentation will be critical if you file a claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If applicable, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re unsure how or when to do so, Provision’s insurance experts will assist with the entire claims process and provide detailed documentation to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Provision's Sewer Backup Restoration Process
Ours is a comprehensive and systematic approach formed by years of firsthand experience and technical expertise. Our standards are higher than anyone else’s because we treat your home like our own, so you can trust that we’ll restore it to its pre-damage condition as quickly as possible:
Free Inspection and Consultation
Our specialists begin by thoroughly inspecting your home to determine the extent of the damage. We use advanced equipment to identify areas of contamination and assess any potential health risks while advising you on next steps and available options.
Sewage and Water Removal
Using state-of-the-art equipment, we extract standing water and sewage from your home to prevent further contamination and then prepare the area for drying.
Drying and Dehumidification
We employ industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to eliminate any residual moisture from the walls, floors, and other affected areas. This is a long process and can take weeks in severe cases, but necessary to prevent any future issues.
Cleaning and Sanitization
We meticulously clean and sanitize all affected areas using antimicrobial treatments and deodorization techniques to remove contaminants from the structure and air to restore a healthy, liveable home.
Insurance Assistance
If you choose to submit a claim, our experts will handle the entire process on your behalf, working directly with your insurance company to provide them with detailed documentation.
Preventing Future Sewer Backups
After the initial crisis has been addressed, it's important to take steps that will prevent any future sewer backups:
Install a Backwater Valve
This valve prevents sewage from backing up into your home. It's installed in your main sewer line and allows water to flow out while blocking it from coming back in.
Regular Plumbing Inspections
Licensed plumbers can identify and fix small issues before they become major problems.
Flushing Discipline
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Wipes, feminine products, and grease can all cause blockages that lead to sewer backups.
Proper Landscaping
Consider removing any trees or shrubs near your sewer line, or replace them with plants that have less invasive root systems.
Flood Insurance
If you live in an area prone to heavy rains and floods, investing in flood insurance can be a great option to protect you from backups caused by the environment.
Why Choose Provision?
A sewer backup is an overwhelming crisis that can destroy your property and temporarily displace your family. With years of experience, our team understands what you need and how you feel. That’s why we’re committed to approaching every crisis with empathy and care, as certified professionals you can trust 24/7.
Our commitment to your comfort extends beyond the restoration process. We’ll also handle the claims process for you and work directly with the insurance company to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Our goal is to restore not just your home, but your peace of mind.
Don’t wait—contact Provision Property Restoration today and let us restore your home to its pre-damage condition, ensuring a safe, healthy environment for you and your family.
