What to Do When You Have a Sewer Backup in Buffalo



A sewer backup, if not handled properly and quickly, can result in damage and pose health risks to homeowners and their families. When coping with a sewer backup, Buffalo NY homeowners need to understand exactly what a sewer backup is, the dangers a backup poses, and the immediate steps to take to mitigate damage and prevent the problem from growing worse.

What Is a Sewer Backup and What Causes it?

Sewer backups occur when there is an obstruction that prevents the proper flow of wastewater through the main sewer service line or sewer pines. When this occurs, the wastewater begins backing up and flowing into the main plumbing system. As a result, a sewer backup can affect tubs, toilets, basements, sinks, floor drains and any other drainage outlet in the home.

Some of the more common causes of a sewer backup includes cracks in the sewer line, cracked or broken pipes, and tree root infiltration. In some cases, heavy rainfall may cause municipal flood control systems to become overwhelmed, which results in a backup event. Additionally, flushing paper towels down the toilet or pouring cooking grease into the kitchen sink can also cause the sewer to backup. Regardless of the cause, it is important to act quickly when your home experiences a sewer backup to reduce health hazards and damage to your home.

Potential Damage and Health Risks Posed by Sewer Backups

When there is a sewer backup in your home, your entire property can become exposed to toxic contaminants, viruses, and harmful bacteria transported through the wastewater. Prolonged airborne exposure can cause illness, while the presence of sewage water can also result in damaged floors and walls as well as reduced indoor air quality. Standing water or flooding in the basement can pose additional risks. Additionally, the presence of sewage water can create long-term odor and mold problems. Given the risks posed back this type of event, it is imperative that homeowners take immediate action while avoiding any direct contact with potentially contaminated water.

When to Call for Professional Help

Homeowners should call a licensed plumber specializing in sewer backups if they notice sewage backing up through plumbing fixtures or through floor drains. When more than one plumbing fixture is draining slowly, this is also a sign that it is time to call a plumber. Professional help should also be called when standing water is present in the home, such as in a flooded basement. If you notice any foul odors coming from household drains, this should be treated as an indication that there is a problem, and your home is at risk for a sewage backup. Keep in mind that serious health risks can occur with even small amounts of sewage water.

Immediate Steps to Take

Beyond contacting a professional plumber immediately, there are also other steps homeowners should take right away to help reduce safety risks and mitigate damage.

·        Immediately stop using water. The presence of any additional water will only worsen the backup. Do not use appliances, flush toilets or run sinks.

·        Avoid contact. Harmful contaminants and bacteria are present in sewage. All contact with affected surfaces and standing water should be avoided. Make sure to keep pets away, as well.

·        When necessary, turn off electricity. If there is any water present near appliances or electrical outlets, exercise caution and shut off the power to that area.

·        Ventilate the area by opening doors and windows. Fans can be utilized to reduce airborne contaminants and odors.

·        Try to identify the source of the backup, if it is safe to do so. This can sometimes be done by checking your home’s lowest drain, which is often in a tub, shower, or the basement floor drain. One of these locations is usually where a backup will first appear.

Why Homeowners Should Not Attempt to Repair Sewer Backups on Their Own

Homeowners should never attempt to fix a sewer backup on their own. Professional expertise and tools are required to handle this type of task. Attempting to handle a sewer backup on your own could result in additional damage, increased repair costs, and pose health and safety risks.

How to Handle Cleanup After a Sewage Backup

Once the sewer backup has been resolved, proper cleanup is crucial to reduce health concerns. All contaminated materials should be removed from the home. Any affected surface should be disinfected, and the affected area should be allowed to dry completely to prevent the growth of mold. If the backup was severe, it may be necessary to involve professional cleanup services.

Steps to Take Following the Backup

Along with cleanup, homeowners will also need to take additional important steps. When applicable, homeowners will need to file an insurance claim. Some homeowner insurance policies do cover sewer backups, but some policies also require an additional rider. If you are not sure, it is always best to check your homeowner insurance policy. In some cases, it may be necessary to report the backup to the local water authority or city.

How to Prevent Future Sewage Backups

In order to prevent a sewage backup, Buffalo, NY homeowners should take care to follow these steps:

·        Never flush debris, grease, or wipes

·        Do not wait to address slow drains

·        Ensure the plumbing vent system in your home is maintained on a regular basis

·        When there are persistent problems, contact a licensed plumber for a sewer camera inspection to diagnose problems before a sewage backup occurs

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the first steps you take when a sewage backup occurs in your home should be to prioritize safety by stopping all water usage, shutting off utilities when necessary, and ventilating the area. The next step should be to immediately call for professional help. Sewer backups can quickly grow worse when not properly handled and can be extremely hazardous. If you are dealing with a sewer backup or you have noticed signs in your home that may indicate a backup is imminent, please contact Frank’s Mr. Plumber today at 716-780-2958 to schedule an inspection or sewer backup repair.