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According to a Civil Engineering Research Foundation report, sewage backup incidents are increasing by about 3% each year. A sewage backup is a dirty yet common incident in many cities and towns of the US. Like any other catastrophe, sewage backup can disrupt your daily life and can cause you costly damage. Apart from that, it also poses health risks to the homeowners. 

Regardless of the severity of the situation, it is crucial to deal with sewage backup efficiently as soon as possible to limit the damage it causes to your home and to salvage your belongings. 

What causes sewage backup?

While sewage backup is not the sole cause of water damage in many homes, the incidents caused by it in the US annually are getting alarming. The most common causes of sewage backup include the age of the sewer systems, tree roots, pipeline issues, and blockages. 

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, about 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines in the country are more than 30 years old on average. Not to mention the increasing number of homes that are connected to these sewer lines. Trees surrounding the homes also contribute to sewage backup. Their roots and shrubs will move towards any source of moisture. Sewer lines with cracks will most likely suffer from these incidents, resulting in blockage, especially when the roots grow larger. 

What to do after sewage backup?

In case your home is affected by sewage backup, calling the help of a professional sewage cleanup contractor as soon as possible is the best step to take. The overflowing sewage material may be contaminated and may put your family’s health at risk. Do not step on the flooded area without proper protective gear, such as rubber gloves and boots, protective eyewear, and a facemask.

Request the utility companies in your area to shut off the supply of electricity, gas, and water in your home for safety. Open your windows to allow proper ventilation. Then transfer the unaffected items safely to a dry place. All objects that are contaminated must be adequately sanitized. Make sure to dispose of any affected items appropriately so it won’t spread bacteria and infections. 

You also need to notify your insurance provider about the sewage backup incident in your home. Your professional sewage cleanup contractors can assist you with it. 

When to call professional sewage cleanup services?

In terms of sewage backup, the earlier it is dealt with, the better. The longer the problem is left unattended, the higher the risks it poses to your family and the more damages it can cause to your belongings. While a small spill can be handled with some DIY skills, but if the sewage spill has affected more than one room of your home, then calling a professional is necessary. 

If a clogged sewer line causes your sewage backup, you may need to call the attention of a professional drain cleaning service to fix the problem.