A sewer backup typically happens when grease, hair, and foreign objects block drains or heavy rains flood sanitary sewer lines. This situation requires immediate attention to relieve the sewer backup, and all water usage must be halted until the problem is solved. Most clogged drains must be opened by an experienced plumber while backups caused by storm water must be allowed to subside over time. When a sewer backup occurs, overflowing drains may cause indoor surfaces to become highly contaminated with dangerous bacteria and viruses. Contaminated surfaces such as bathtubs and tile floors can be easily sanitized, but carpeting and walls should be cleaned or replaced by a professional.
Sewer backups often occur when grease, hair, and other waste builds up inside drainage pipes. Tree roots may also invade sewer drain pipes and cause them to become clogged. Foreign objects such as sanitary napkins and diapers sometimes become trapped in drainage pipes and cause a sewer backup. Sewer lines can be crushed and lose their ability to drain properly when heavy vehicles are driven over them. Flood waters from heavy rainfall may also drain into public sanitary sewer lines and cause them to backup into nearby homes and buildings.
Immediate attention is required when a sewer backup occurs. The source of the backup must be determined quickly, and all water usage should be stopped until the problem is solved. Do-it-yourself remedies such as plungers and liquid drain cleaners are usually ineffective when a complete sewer backup has occurred. Backups caused by grease, roots, and foreign objects typically require the services of an experienced, professional plumber for complete results.
Many professional plumbers use a special video inspection device to determine the source of the sewer backup before making repairs. They typically use a sharp rotary tool to destroy the source of the clog and move it safely out of the drain. Crushed pipes must be replaced and heavy equipment is sometimes required. Backups caused by flood waters cannot be remedied by a plumber. This type of backup is usually eliminated after the sanitary sewer lines have drained sufficiently.
A sewer backup often causes highly contaminated water to overflow drains and spill onto floors and carpets. This situation can be very dangerous to residents of a home or building. Small areas of contamination on nonporous surfaces can usually be cleaned with a mild chlorine bleach solution. Contaminated carpeting may need to be removed or professionally cleaned, however. Drywall that has come into contact with contaminated water may also need to be replaced by a professional contractor to prevent the growth of dangerous mold behind the walls.