A sewer backup is a serious matter, and you always have to be prepared for it. Lack of maintenance, increased rain, and old houses are some of the causes of backups that may require you to need sewer repair in Philadelphia. If you experience it, you will have to initiate measures to solve the problem as soon as possible to avert damage to your property.
Have Your Sewer Inspected Frequently
The first thing to do in managing a sewer backup is to ensure that one does not occur. Some plumbing companies provide an annual inspection package where they scope and clear your drains. Grease can accumulate and harden your pipes over time. However, your plumber can remove minor obstructions like grease buildup using a water jet with a yearly inspection.
The inspection may also identify a cracked or broken pipe. If you are in an older house, the drain stacks are likely cast iron. These can crack, fill over time, or be breached or cracked by heavy equipment or tree roots in the yard. In short, having a professional plumber carry out an annual inspection of your sewer pipes will cost you less than having them repaired.
What to Do If a Sewer Backup Occurs
There are two types of sewage. The first one goes from the toilet to the sewer drain, and the second comes from outside sources such as storm sewers. When handling any backup, do not attend to it unprepared.
If your home has liquid waste, the first action is to call a restoration or plumbing company with drain specialists like Goodman Plumbing. If you have an annual drain inspection, you probably have a number you can call. Call them immediately to prevent the sewage from breaking into a crevice and flooding into your basement.
If you have to go into the area with the sewer backup, ensure that you wear protective clothing, such as rubber boots. Remember to trip the breaker to de-energize the room before you enter.
How to Handle a Sewer Backup
A sewer back calls for immediate action. Avoid using liquid drain cleaners with slow drains as they may not be helpful, especially if the blockage is due to tree roots or a damaged drain line. Also, the chemical treatment can lead to more damage to the pipes or harm the plumber when repairing your system
- Call us for sewer repair in Philadelphia to fix the problem rather than use chemical treatments to unclog slow-moving drains. The problem may be too complex to resolve without professional help.
- When you have a severe backup that sends wastewater into your home, start by shutting off water accessing the drains. If the wastewater is close to electrical outlets, turn off the electricity.
- If the affected area has absorbent material such as carpet or wood on the floor or walls, remove and throw them away. Depending on the height of the wastewater on your walls, you may be required to pull out wall paneling to avoid mold growth.
Avoid Using Your Plumbing
Until a sewer repair in Philadelphia fixes your problem, you should not use water appliances, showers, toilets, tubs, or sinks in your home. As everyone uses the bathroom at least once a day, it is crucial to get a plumber to carry out sewer repairs to restore regular operation in the home.
Contact Us Today
For sewer repair in Philadelphia, Goodman Plumbing is here to help. We are an expert plumbing company that performs HVAC and water heater repair services. Call us today!
