Too few homeowners pay attention to the systems that allow your home to function . . . until they stop functioning completely. Sewage backup, for example, is pretty hard not to notice. If your sewage is constantly (or even occasionally) backing up into your home, it could be exposing you and your family to hazardous toxins throughout the duration of the immediate incident, and mold growth thereafter. Depending on what exactly occurs during your sewage backup situation, your home could be experiencing a number of varying problems.
Let’s say water backs up in your drains every time you try to run an appliance. Common drain lines connect sewage systems in different areas of your home, so it’s not implausible that running the washing machine in the laundry room could cause an overflowing sink in the bathroom. That’s just how your home’s plumbing is wired (to mix metaphors). For example, in the previously mentioned situation, the sink overflows because a particular plumbing line connected to the washer causes the water to backup. Gravity is simply drawing the water to the lowest point from which it can exit. This kind of backup situation indicates a clog at some point along your drain line. If the sewage backup is contained, a specialized technician can typically just go in and unclog it. If the issue keeps happening, however, you could have a more significant problem on your hands – for instance, a cracked pipe could be preventing sewage from properly exiting your home (and leading to likely water damage and mold problems, to boot).
Another sewage backup problem you might be dealing with is water seeping out of your toilets and drains every time the weather drops a bit of rain. Older homes typically face these “overflows” as they connect to outdated, city-wide sewage through a combined sewer system. Combination systems have one pipe that transports sewage to treatment plant while also guiding storm water runoff to a local body of water (more modern systems separate the two jobs). Combos typically do their job effectively . . . until inclement weather forces too much water through the pipes. Even a small blockage in those sewage pipes can cause a big backup right into your home.
Ideally, sewage backup problems should be the city’s responsibility, seeing as the city established the sewage system. Most cities unfortunately don’t have the funds or resources to address the issue properly. This injustice means you have to take the initiative to control sewage backup in your home so you can ensure your family’s safety. The most responsible action you can take is scheduling a specialized sewage backup technician to take the problem out of your hands and put it into those of an expert.
