Most homeowners dread the thought of sewage backups. While major plumbing problems can be inconvenient and cause extensive damage to properties, sewer backups are particularly worrying, as they can create home health hazards. In this informative article, well discuss what causes sewer backups, explain the implications and offer tips to help you if you need urgent advice.

What Causes Sewage Backup?

There are several possible causes of sewage backup, including:

  • Structural wear and damage
  • Flushing unsuitable items down the toilet
  • Root infiltration
  • Localized flooding
  • Blocked pipes
  • Leaking or broken pipes
  • Heavy rain and adverse weather conditions
  • Problems that affect sewage lines

Why Are Sewer Backups So Dangerous?

Problems with sewer drains and backup issues are dangerous because they pose a risk to human health. Statistics from the National Resources Defense Council suggest that sewage contamination contributes to almost 2 million cases of illness per year.

Sewage contains bacteria and viruses, which can affect both humans and pets. In addition, sewage may also contain toxins, including pesticides, fungi and protozoa. Exposure to sewage or sewage-contaminated water and airborne pathogens can put people at risk of the following diseases:

  • Campylobacteriosis
  • Cryptosporidiosis
  • Diarrheagenic E.Coli
  • Encephalitis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Giardiasis
  • Hepatitis A
  • Leptospirosis
  • Methaemoglobinaemia
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Salmonellosis
  • Shigellosis
  • Paratyphoid fever
  • Typhoid

Common bacteria and viruses found in sewage include:

  • E.Coli
  • Salmonella
  • Coronavirus
  • Heliobacter pylori
  • Acanthamoeba

Sewage exposure can cause a range of symptoms, including sickness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, liver infection, muscular aches and pains, constipation, chills and fever.

If you are concerned about flooding, blocked or broken pipes or sewer backups, it is critical to seek urgent advice. If you come into contact with contaminated water, you could get sick and the symptoms may be severe.

What To Do If Youre Worried About Sewage Backup

If you are worried about basement flooding, leaking pipes or sewage backup at home, its crucial to seek expert advice as soon as possible. Exposure to sewage can put your family and pets at risk. If you have concerns, follow these steps:

  • Contact a restoration company that specializes in sewage backups
  • Try to avoid contact with contaminated water
  • Prevent children, pets and other members of the family from accessing the affected areas
  • If you must cross a sewage line or access an area that could be contaminated, wear a protective mask to help you breathe

DRYMedic is a reputable, reliable restoration company with over 20 years of experience in damage restoration. The skilled, knowledgeable team of technicians works within IICRC guidelines and understands the urgency required when dealing with sewer backups. Our team, which is available 24/7, will inspect the area and identify causes and solutions quickly and efficiently.

Our restoration experts use specialist equipment to carry out repairs and reduce the risk of problems in the future. Our goal is to make your home safe and give you peace of mind.

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