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When your drain pipes or local sewer pipes are damaged or clogged, you may experience a sewer backup, causing contaminated water to come up your drain and requiring the help of a plumber to fix. Not only is this unpleasant and difficult to clean, but it also creates health risks due to the bacteria in the sewage. Here’s how to handle the situation.

What to Do After a Sewer Backup

1. Safety First

First, no one should touch sewage due to the bacteria. Use protective equipment such as rubber gloves if you need to be in the area, and keep kids and pets away. The fumes can also be dangerous, so open up windows for ventilation. And because the spill may come into contact with electrical wiring, turn off the electricity to that area or the whole house if necessary.

2. Don’t Use the Water

PlumberYou won’t be able to wash the sewage back down the drain with more water. Running a faucet or flushing the toilet again will only add to the amount of contaminated water you have to deal with. For this reason, do not run the water, and shut off the water supply if possible.

3. Turn On the Sump Pump

If flooding is reaching your foundation or basement, your sump pump can help eliminate it from the house. This won’t solve the entire issue, but it can limit the water damage and spread of the bacteria.

4. Call a Plumber

To get your pipes flowing correctly again, you’ll need to call in a sewer cleaning professional. Your plumber will identify the clog or pipe damage that is causing the backup and complete plumbing repairs to stop it. They’ll also clean your pipes thoroughly to reduce the risk of another clog.

5. Practice Prevention

To keep the sewer backup from recurring, have a backwater valve installed as a safety measure, and perform regular maintenance on your pipes and your sump pump. Don’t flush anything down the drain that could cause clogs, including paper towels, baby wipes, absorbent hygiene products, kitty litter, and fat or grease. Finally, avoid planting trees and large shrubs where their roots might infiltrate your drain pipes.

 

If you need a plumber to reverse a sewer backup, choose American Rooter Sewer & Septic Service in Albany, OR. Serving Linn County with 24/7 emergency plumbing repair, they provide advanced service using modern sewer cleaning technology for fast, lasting results. To schedule a visit, call (541) 926-1185, and go to their website to learn more about their techniques.

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