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What to Do If Your Sewer Backs Up - Steele Plumbing

What to Do If Your Sewer Backs Up

by | Jun 29, 2018 | Services

Nothing is worse than a backed up sewer, and it helps to know how to handle the situation. It is important to act quickly, as an overflowing toilet is unsanitary. It could lead to serious health issues such as tetanus or Hepatitis A. You will first want to seek professional help as soon as possible. Fortunately, Steele Plumbing is at your service. Along with our plumbing maintenance, installation, and repair services, we have been providing 24/7 emergency plumbing services to the San Diego area since 2003. We have the skills and training to handle your sewer problems, no matter what time they may occur. To help you feel more prepared to deal with a backed up sewer, we would like to share a few tips on what you can do before we get to your home to make the necessary repairs.

Assess the Safety Level

If any part of your home has been flooded by an overflowing toilet, Inspectapedia warns that there could be unsafe electrical wiring, bacterial and pathogen risks, and other possible hazards present. You should first shut off the electrical power in that area to prevent electrocution dangers. Evacuate the area unless someone is wearing protective clothing and equipment. You should always act as if any surface or material that has been touched by sewage has been contaminated.

Turn off the Water Supply

You will need to turn off any running water into your drain system. This includes toilets, washing machines, sinks, and bathtubs. Sometimes, your sewer can back up from a burst pipe. If this is the case, you will need to turn off the main water connection to your home.

Remove Any Sewage-Contaminated Items From Your Home

If you have the proper protective equipment (gloves, breathing mask), you should remove any soaked items from the area. Inspectapedia recommends placing these items outdoors to make it easier to clean and inspect the area. Discard any contaminated items such as carpeting, curtains, upholstered furniture, and books. Our staff at Steele Plumbing can assist you with finding professional help for this task, if needed.

Open Windows and Doors

Opening screened windows and doors reduces indoor humidity. In addition, it allows the sunlight to help to dry out the area to slow the growth and formation of bacteria and mold. If you have not shut off the electrical power to your entire home, you will need to turn off your heating and cooling system. This keeps it from becoming contaminated until you can properly seal off the supply and air returns in the affected part of your home.

When you contact us at Steele Plumbing to take care of your backed up sewer, we will not only get the problem fixed as quickly as possible, but we will also help you get in touch with any other necessary authorities and services. No matter when your sewer backs up, we are here to get this possibly dangerous issue resolved.