When it comes to water damage, a flood is any homeowner’s biggest nightmare. Not only is it hard to clean up, but it is almost impossible to prevent. And while floods can be caused by a different number of reasons, one of the most common is a sewer backup.
That’s why we are going to take a deeper look at sewer backups and how we can prevent them from causing water damage.
What Can Cause a Sewer Backup?
A sewer backup will usually occur when something blocks the flow of wastewater between your house and the city sewer. Additionally, there are a few risk factors that can trigger a sewer backup:
- Broken sewer lines
- Too much rainwater entering the system
- Old pipework
- Insoluble products being thrown in the toilet
- A cracked or damaged pipeline
- Sump pump failure
How Can I Prevent Sewer Backup Water Damage?
Although most sewer backups are unavoidable and beyond your control, there are some things you can do to reduce the sewage system strain.
Be Careful What You Flush
Flushing anything that can’t be dissolved by water can increase the chances of clogs in the sewage system. For instance, you should avoid flushing diapers, wipes, cigarettes, facial tissues, and personal hygiene products. Keep in mind that even if some are marketed as being flushable, you will still put the sewage system under a lot of pressure.
Install a Backwater Valve
One of the best ways to avoid water damage is to install a backwater valve to prevent backwater. It allows water to flow out of your house, but once the water begins to flow backward, the flap on the valve will close. However, backwater valves are not suitable for every type of house. You will need to have your home checked by a professional, such as Water Damage Restoration Kings, before installing one.
Correct Plumbing Connections
Depending on where you live, French drains, sump pumps and similar flooding control systems may be illegal. That’s because they can cause debris to clog your line, leading to a sewer backup. You should get in touch with a water restoration company to check your line for illegal plumbing connections.
Clean Drains Regularly
You can easily clean your drains by flushing one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar and warm water. Our advice is to do that at least once every month to remove waste from your pipes. Additionally, you should avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can be corrosive to your plumbing system.
Conclusion
Overall, preventing a sewer backup is the most important step to understanding how to prevent water damage. And while sometimes a flood is inevitable, some of these tips will help you reduce their frequency. However, you should remember that calling a professional water restoration company is a must. Not only will they be able to deal with the aftermath of a flood, but they will also be able to help prevent them. So don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if you have never encountered a flood.
