Sewage backup can result from a clogged drain or from any number of other malfunctions in your plumbing and sewer system. Whatever the origin, toxic sewage overflow can not only damage the structure of your facility, but it also contains biohazards that carry bacteria, viruses and germs that cause illness and disease.
In many sewer overflow situations, what initially may begin as a minor inconvenience, can very quickly turn into a destructive and potentially hazardous clean-up situation. Should a sewage backup occur at your facility, use this guide from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore to learn what you should do immediately after, plus tips on how you can prevent one from happening in future.
Sewer Backup: Here's What to Do
Cleaning up sewage overflow is extremely hazardous, therefore the clean-up process should only be undertaken by professionals. As soon as there is an indication of a sewage backup on your property, call experienced and qualified sewage cleanup professionals so they can safely and properly remedy the issue and get your business back to normal as soon as possible.
Professional sewage clean-up technicians have the expertise and resources to avoid health risk while removing biohazards. A professional cleaning crew trained in sewage clean-up can safely and efficiently handle the following tasks:
- Remove all items that have been damaged due to sewage backup
- Properly discard items and material that cannot be salvaged
- Properly clean and disinfect saved items and materials off-site
- Remove all water and sewage with specialized equipment
- Dehumidify affected areas
- Ventilate dangerous fumes and airborne particles
- Disinfect all flooring and surfaces within the contaminated area
Signs of Sewage Backup
The most important thing is to identify the issue early on before it becomes exponentially worse and turns into a larger and more costly clean-up problem. The top signs that you may have a sewage backup emergency brewing include:
- Foul odours
- Slow draining drains
- Clogged or overflowing toilets
- Bubbling or gurgling noises emitting from plumbing
- One plumbing fixture is affected by use of another plumbing fixture
Common Causes of Sewer Backup Problems
Problems with your building’s sewage system can be difficult to remedy but knowing what causes them in the first place can help you prevent the worst from happening. Some of the most common reasons that commercial buildings experience sewer overflow include:
- Cracked pipes or misaligned connections or joints in your plumbing system
- Infiltration of tree roots into pipes or other plumbing mechanisms
- Solid grease build-up in plumbing and pipes
- Improper flushing
- Irregular cleaning and maintenance of plumbing systems, especially in high-volume commercial settings where maintenance is crucial
- Soil settlement in and around your building that can cause undue stress on your plumbing or sewer system
How To Prevent Sewer Backups in Your Building
A few preventative maintenance tasks can prevent contaminated water and sewage backup from happening at your business. Follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of sewage contamination in your building:
- Have your sewer and plumbing systems professionally inspected at least annually.
- Use a water-pressure reducing valve to limit stress on your building's plumbing system.
- Install pop-up sewer release valves if your plumbing system does not already have them.
If your commercial property is overtaken by sewer or drain backup water, contact the experts at ServiceMaster Restore right away to prevent serious health and safety risks to all occupants and visitors. Our commercial sewage overflow clean-up services include deep cleaning and eliminating lingering bacteria and germs from all areas and items exposed to contamination, leaving you a fully sanitized work environment. With our expert resources, training, and experience, we will get your business back to business as quickly as possible.