How to Prevent a Sewage Backup
Sewerage backup probably tops the list of the worst plumbing problems ever. It can lead to burst pipes and leaks that can end up spilling wastewater in your home. Not only is this a really frustrating situation to be in, but the contaminated sewer water can also make you and your family sick.
Sewage water contains a host of microorganisms that can cause a number of infections and diseases. Organisms such as salmonella, E. coli, cryptosporidium, and giardia are commonly found in sewage water. Contact with such contaminants has been responsible for almost 2 million cases of diseases contracted per year, as stated by the National Resources Defense Council.
Fortunately, sewage backup can be easily prevented with the right kind of preventative maintenance. Let’s take a closer look at how it all works.
What Causes Sewage Backup?
There are a number of reasons that could be contributing to a sewer backup situation.
Damaged Pipes Due to Shifting Earth – If you live in an area that has a lot of underground movement, the sewer pipes can be prone to damage. This can lead to a sewer backup.
Tree Roots – If you’ve got any big, old trees planted in your yard, they’ll inevitably have massive roots supporting them, which won’t be too kind on your sewer lines.
Blocked Sewage Pipes – Ill-maintenance can lead to internally blocked pipes; especially if you’re flushing random things down the toilet.
Tips to Prevent Sewer Backup
Proper Fat and Grease Disposal
A lot of us just tend to pour oil and grease down the drain, which is a big mistake. The fats in the oil will solidify inside the pipes, creating blockages and a huge mess. Never dump oil, hot or cold, as it is down the drain. Store it in a cool place before disposing of it in the garbage.
Never Flush Paper Products 
While it’s common to flush tissues down the toilet, most often mistake paper products as flushable items too. While tissues will easily disintegrate in the drain, paper won’t. It can clump up and become a big drainage issue.
Replace Old Pipes
If your budget allows, it’s a good idea to have outdated plumbing replaced in time. Old pipes can wear down with time and will become more vulnerable to cracking or bursting out. It’s a good investment to have old plumbing replaced timely.
Install a Backwater Prevention Valve
Having a backwater prevention valve installed in place will prevent wastewater from flowing back in the wrong direction. It’ll let the wastewater leave through the pipe, but will close up if it moves in the wrong direction.
Follow Routine Maintenance
The best way to make sure that your house isn’t flooded with sewage water is to have regular maintenance inspections done by a local plumber. They’ll keep the pipes in good health and make you aware of maintenance practices.
About Pro Serve Plumbers
Having trouble with the sewerage system? Get in touch with us! We are one of the leading plumbing companies in Fort Worth, TX. We provide a wide range of plumbing services. Call us now at 817-244-0614!
