If a sewer backup occurs –
• Avoid contact with sewage-contaminated water and contact maintenance.
• Quickly move any items (collections or otherwise) that are in danger but not yet affected to a safe area.
• Keep a written record of any items (collections or otherwise) that have been damaged or lost.
• Arrange for cleanup of the affected area. This may involve wet-vacuuming, mopping, cleaning walls and floors with soap and disinfectant, removing carpeting, cleaning up ductwork or appliances, etc. Due to the health risks, this type of cleanup is usually best done by professionals.
Sewer System Backup
Sewer system backups often occur because of heavy rains that increase the water pressure in the sewer system, causing sewage to flow into buildings through the basement drains. If there is a widespread power outage in the area, the sewer system may fail due to lack of power to parts of the system. Sewer backups can also result from inappropriate materials being disposed of down the drains, or from shrub or tree roots cracking or breaking the sewer lines. Sewage backup presents a number of risks: damage to the building, damage or destruction of materials stored in the basement, possible electrical malfunctions in the building, and the possibility of disease.
Preventive actions to reduce the risk of sewer backup –
• Do not pour grease down a drain, as it will solidify after it cools off, either in the property owner’s sewer line, or in the main sewer line.
• Do not dispose of anything in the toilet except bathroom tissue.
• Avoid planting trees or shrubs near the sewer line, to reduce the chances of roots damaging the pipes. It is also possible to replace older sewer pipes with plastic piping, which is not damaged by roots.
• Consider modifying your plumbing system to prevent sewage backup into your building. Modifications might include installing a sump pump, check valve, shut-off valve, and/or ejector pump. Consult a qualified plumber for advice on appropriate modifications for your building.