The Dangers of Sewer Backups

Beyond being a nasty and unpleasant inconvenience, sewer backups pose significant threats to your home and health. This type of emergency plumbing situation occurs when there is a blockage or overflow in the main sewer line, causing sewage to flow back into your property through toilets, sinks, and floor drains. Read on as A.M. Plumbing & Rooter shares the dangers of sewer backups and how you can protect your home.

Health Risks

The sewage flowing back into your living space contains bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens that can cause various illnesses. These contaminants can affect your and your family’s health, as well as your pets’. Exposure to sewage can lead to gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, and skin infections. At the first signs of a sewer backup, it is crucial to vacate the affected area and contact a plumber in Carlsbad, CA for emergency services.

Structural Damage

When sewage overflows, it can seep into walls, floors, and ceilings, causing extensive water damage and compromising the integrity of your property. If left untreated, this moisture can lead to mold growth, which poses further health risks and can require costly remediation. In addition, sewer backups can also ruin personal belongings and furniture within your home. Do not delay calling for plumbing services to avoid further damage.

Financial Consequences

The financial burden of a sewer backup doesn’t end with the cleanup process. Plumbing repairs and home restoration can quickly add up, not to mention the potential impact on property value. Moreover, standard homeowner’s insurance policies often do not cover sewer backup damage, leaving you to foot the bill for restoration and replacement costs.

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a sewer backup. Scheduling regular inspections of your plumbing system, disposing of waste properly, and being more mindful of what goes down the drain can minimize the risk of blockages and backups. Installing backwater valves or check valves is also advisable, which can prevent sewage from flowing back into your home.

A.M. Plumbing & Rooter is your go-to full-service plumbing company for all your plumbing-related concerns. We provide 24-hour emergency services, so you know we’ll be there when you need us the most. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive solutions.