Most homeowners are unaware that it is their responsibility to maintain and repair the sewage pipeline that connects the city sewer main to their home. This section of sewer pipeline, referred to as the “sewer lateral,” is owned by the property owner and not the city. The homeowner is obligated to repair a deteriorating or cracked sewer lateral even if the pipe extends under the street or into a public right of way. These repairs are not only messy, but they can also be expensive. However, homeowners seeking insurance to cover sewage backups can secure coverage from most providers at a reasonable cost.
Causes of sewage backups
According to the Insurance Information Institute, sewage backups are a growing problem. Listed below are some common causes of sewage backups.
1. Blockages in the main sewer line
A blockage in the city’s main sewer line can flood into homes through floor drains. Immediately report the issue to the city public works office. As soon as seepage is detected at the floor drains, contact a licensed plumber or other qualified professional to inspect the situation and assess the damage.
2. Aging sewer systems
The Insurance Information Institute reports, “The American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that the nation’s 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old. The increase in the number of homes connected to already aging sewage systems has also contributed to rapid increases in sanitary sewage backups, flooded basements, and overflows.”
The homeowner whose home is connected to an aging, overstressed sewer system must proactively maintain and repair the existing sewer lines.
3. Creeping tree and shrubbery roots
Small roots seeking moisture may penetrate sewer line joints or cracks and cause extensive damage or blockages. The owner of the tree is responsible for the cleanup.
4. Combining storm water and raw sewage in the same system
Problems arise when storm water drainage and raw sewage removal are channeled through the same pipeline. A heavy thunderstorm can quickly overwhelm a system that is unable to handle the excess volume. The overfilled system can flood basements in an entire neighborhood or small community. The results are messy, unsanitary, and expensive to clean up. At the first signs of a problem, immediately contact a licensed plumber or another qualified professional to diagnose the situation and implement a solution. If the sanitary sewer main is the source of the backup, immediately inform sewer officials of the issue.
What to do if a sewage backup occurs
The safest, fastest remedy is to call in a qualified sewage cleanup company that is licensed and insured and that will perform the job to the highest standards. The services of sewage mitigation professionals are necessary because black water — water contaminated with raw sewage — can cause serious health issues, damage property, and make a home or business uninhabitable if the sewage backup is not swiftly and properly addressed.
Water contaminated with sewage may be polluted with the following impurities:
Pesticides, heavy metals, or other toxic substances from rusty pipes or contaminated groundwater
Gray water from washing machines, dishwashers, aquariums, or water beds are Pathogenic or disease-causing agents which may cause Hepatitis A or B, E. coli, or tapeworms.
Hiring a sewage cleanup company
A sewage spill is one of the most dangerous environments in which property damage restoration experts must work. Shortcomings in training and certification can compromise the health and safety of both the occupants of the residence and the technicians.
A reputable and qualified sewage cleanup company will utilize industry-standard safety measures such as gloves, respirators, safety eyewear, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Technicians should have the latest training and employ techniques that ensure affected areas are clean and safe for people and for pets. All contaminated gear and equipment must be cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized after each use. Strict procedures should be followed to prevent cross-contamination in other areas of the home.
For over twenty years, the licensed and insured property damage restoration experts at All Pro Services have provided professional sewage mitigation and cleanup services. A sewage backup can quickly lead to advanced secondary damage, cross-contamination, and health issues. A rapid response is essential to contain and limit the extent of the disaster. The All Pro Services team is on call 24/7/365, and technicians utilize state-of-the-art water and sewage detection, extraction, and drying equipment. Special steps are taken to disinfect areas impacted by sewage. Hospital-grade antimicrobial and deodorizing detergents ensure that the property is clean, sanitized, and restored quickly and effectively.
All Pro Services have the necessary certifications, licenses, and insurance to successfully mitigate sewage disasters. All Pro Services offers a free sewage damage inspection. A highly experienced project manager closely monitors the entire mitigation process, and all services are provided by trained and certified water and sewage mitigation technicians.
All Pro Services takes pride in offering the community professional sewage damage mitigation, cleanup, and restoration services. The core value of the company’s culture is a commitment to be a positive corporate citizen in the community and to be ready to serve when disaster strikes.
