One of the most serious plumbing emergencies that a homeowner can experience, sewage backups are increasing every year at a rate of sewage backup sink three percent, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Responsible for thousands of dollars of damage to homes, sewage backups can also lead to disease and other health hazards and should be immediately reported to emergency authorities. Since 2003, Steele Plumbing has provided 24/7 professional plumbing emergency services, and you can count on us to quickly take on the responsibilities of your backup. We will also help you prevent another sewage backup from occurring at your home in the future. We would like to answer a couple of frequently asked questions about this plumbing emergency.

What causes sewage backups?

One of the most common causes of a sewer backup is aging sewer systems. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the average age of sewer lines is over 30 years old, and problems can occur when the number of homes connected to older systems increases without updates being made to the sewer systems. Tree roots can also grow into cracks in aging sewer lines and cause blockages and serious ruptures. Systems that combine storm water and sewage can also be problematic and prone to backups.

How can I prevent sewage backups from happening at my home?

The most important thing that you and your family can do to keep your sewage lines running smoothly is to properly dispose of paper products and of grease. You should never wash grease down any sink drain, and you should never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet drain. To make sure you are doing everything you can to prevent backups, Steele Plumbing can help you by correcting any improper plumbing connections you have, reducing tree root invasions with plastic pipe replacement, and installing a backwater prevention valve.

If you experience a sewage backup, contact us at Steele Plumbing immediately, no matter what time it may be. We provide 24/7 emergency professional plumbing services to keep you and your family safe in these situations.