If you have wastewater and sewage backing up into your home, it’s time to call your Houston emergency plumber. Sewage in your home can cause many issues, including damage and potentially life-threatening health effects. Generally, you need a plumber to find and fix the problem as soon as possible. Let’s talk about sewage backups in your home and what you need to do if you discover this nasty plumbing problem.
You Need to Call a Houston Emergency Plumber for Sewage Backup
If you have water and sewage backing up into your home, you need Houston plumbing repairs ASAP. Drain lines in your home are designed to move sewage away from your home and into the main sewer line. Eventually, wastewater and sewage makes its way to treatment facilities where professionals make it safe again by removing harmful contaminants. However, if there is something wrong with your drain pipes, sewer pipes, or the city sewer main, you might find water and waste flowing the opposite way through your fixtures. This can lead not only to major damage in your home from water and waste, but can also expose you to many dangerous contaminants. Make sure you get help to stop the backup immediately to protect your home and family.
Dangers of Sewage Exposure
Exposure to sewage is a serious threat to your family. Germs and chemicals in wastewater from your drains can lead to a wide range of illnesses. For instance, you may be exposed to viruses that can cause stomach flu symptoms or the virus that causes hepatitis A. You may also be exposed to harmful bacteria like E. coli, Streptococcus, or Salmonella. The bacteria that causes typhoid fever is also commonly found in sewage.
Even if you’re not exposed directly to the wastewater that backs up into your home, the gasses can cause serious problems. Sewer gasses are a mixture of many different things, including methane, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia, some of which are toxic. Exposure to these gasses can lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue. In some cases, it may cause irritation to the mouth, lungs, eyes, or throat. High levels of sewer gas can also lead to seizures, coma, or even death in extreme circumstances.
Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to serious illnesses from sewage exposure. Therefore, it’s important to keep everyone away from the affected area and call your Houston emergency plumber as soon as possible to fix the problem so you can begin cleaning up to keep your family safe.
Signs of Sewage Backup
Of course, if you notice wastewater flooding your home, then you know you have a sewage backup. However, you might have earlier signs that help you identify an issue before it starts. Knowing these early signs of a sewer backup can help you call your Houston emergency plumber as soon as possible and prevent worse effects for your home.
Some signs of residential sewage backup include:
- Foul smells
- Gurgling from drains and toilets
- Drains moving slowly
Often, the shower or tub is the first place you will see water or sewage backup. This is because they are often the lowest fixture for any given floor. If you notice water coming back up the drain of your tub or shower, call your Houston emergency plumber immediately and avoid using any of your plumbing fixtures until they arrive. This may help you avoid more serious backups that flood your home.
How Your Houston Emergency Plumber Fixes Sewer Backups
There are many plumbing issues that can cause sewage backup in your home. For instance, it may be that the sewer lines are old or damaged and need replacement. Tree roots are a common cause of damage that can block the lines and lead to sewage backup. It may also be a major blockage in your drain or sewer lines. Less commonly, it might be that the city’s sewer main is blocked, which would likely cause sewage backup for you and your neighbors at the same time.
Depending on the issue, your Houston emergency plumber may need to clear a blockage or replace pipes in your system. If it’s a city sewer main problem, then the city will need to fix the issue. However, it’s often difficult to tell where the problem is before contacting your Houston plumbing company for help.
What to Do for Sewage Backup
There are several things you should do if you have a sewer backup in your home. Taking steps can help prevent further issues for your home until your Houston emergency plumber can repair the issue. Here are some things you should do:
Call Your Houston Emergency Plumber
The very first order of business is to call your trusted Houston emergency plumber. The faster you call us, the quicker we can arrive to repair the problem and start mitigating some of the damage. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year at (713) 360-2185 for sewer backups and other plumbing emergencies.
Shut Off the Water and Electricity
If you can do so safely, the next thing is to shut off the water and electricity in your home. Turning off the water may help reduce some of the water flowing through the drains and sewers, especially if you have fixtures running like washing machines, dishwashers, or other appliances you can’t simply turn the tap to shut off. If you’re able to reach the main water shutoff for your home without walking through the sewage, try to do so as soon as possible.
Also, because sewage backups can lead to standing water in your home, it’s also a good idea to shut off the electricity. Once again, don’t do this if you must walk through sewage-laden water in your home or if the water might be touching electrical wires or equipment, as the water might be electrified. However, if you can reach the electrical box safely, consider turning off all the breakers in the home.
Open the Windows
If possible, it also helps to open the windows in your home. This helps ventilate the area before your Houston emergency plumber arrives to prevent a buildup of sewer gasses and foul odors. Ventilation will be important for safety and for restoring your home after a sewage backup incident.
Stay Away from the Area
The best option is to stay away from the affected area. You might even consider standing outside to stay far away from sewer gasses, which can cause respiratory symptoms and headaches. Remember, sewage contains many nasty germs and chemicals that puts your health at risk. If you absolutely must walk through the area, make sure you wear protective clothing and equipment, such as rubber boots, respiratory masks, eye protection, gloves, and liquid repelling suits or coveralls. These are necessary for preventing serious infections from germs that come into contact with your skin, eyes, mouth, or other parts of your body.
In addition to staying away from the affected area, you should also avoid using any of your plumbing fixtures, like toilets and sinks. This can make the backup worse. Instead, simply wait for your Houston emergency plumber for help.
Santhoff Plumbing Company: Top Quality Houston Plumbing Repairs Since 1974
As a top Houston plumbing company, you can trust our team to provide superior plumbing services at Santhoff Plumbing Company. With nearly 50 years serving the Greater Houston community, our team offers an amazing reputation for friendly and effective service. Whether you need Houston plumbing repairs for an emergency, regular maintenance for your plumbing system, or plumbing services for a remodel, we have you covered. Contact us today to request service or call our emergency line at (713) 360-2185.