Something as small as a blocked toilet could quickly lead to a big problem like a sewer backup. The pipework of our homes is a very delicate system, and without consistent maintenance, it can quickly deteriorate and result in disaster.
ICE Cleaning is a professional cleaning company that offers swift and effective sewage cleaning services. Its technicians are qualified sewage cleaners with years of experience using industrial-grade solutions and tools to contain, clean, and decontaminate an affected site.
Read on to learn more about sewage backups and how you can prevent them.
What is a sewage backup?
A sewer backup is what happens when sewage or blackwater comes back up the pipe due to a block, filling sinks, toilets, and drains.
The cause of a sewer backup is often due to human negligence that includes disposing of waste in the toilets or pouring oil down the kitchen sink. On other occasions, the cause can be faulty or poorly maintained pipework which is entirely avoidable.
Local water companies own most sewage lines, and any repairs will be their responsibility. However, if you have a private sewer on your property, you must pay for repairs and professional cleaning services in the event of a spill or backup.
What are the risks of sewage contamination?
Sewage, or blackwater as it is also known, contains various bacteria and viruses that can cause severe illness and possibly disease. The waste present in sewage is a breeding ground for infectious germs, leaving a very pungent smell in the room where the backup occurred.
You could encounter bacteria like E. coli, Hepatitis A virus, and Salmonella. If a sewage backup occurs in your home, you must act fast to protect yourself and your property from bacterial contamination. You must:
- Not flush the toilets
- Not try to clean any raw sewage yourself
- Wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, covered shoes and a mask if re-entering the property
- Keep pets and children away from the affected area
- Contact your local water company
- Call your insurance company to alert them to the incident
- Contact a professional cleaning company
What can you do to prevent sewage backups?
Sewage backups are avoidable with regular maintenance and general observation. Taking time out of your day to take preventative measures will keep your pipes clear and your home safe. By doing the following, you could decrease the chances of a sewer backup:
- Use a body wash product instead of bar soap in the bath or shower
- Place drain covers or catchers in your sink, bath, and shower
- Refrain from disposing of oil or grease products down a drain
- Do not flush wipes, flushable wipes, or sanitary products down the toilet
- Use less corrosive drain cleaners
- Regularly clean the sinks, baths, and showers in your home
- Call a plumber if you notice water struggling to go down the drain
If a sewage backup has become uncontrollable and spilt into your home, you must not try to clean it yourself. ICE Cleaning is a sewage cleaning company that will clean up the spill and decontaminate your home. Its technicians are available for emergency cleaning 24/7, 365 days a year.
You can find out more about ICE Cleaning’s variety of services here.
