With residential sewer back-ups increasing by 3% annually, some basic sewage back-up tips can be timely information. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that the average age of sewer pipes is now over 30 years. This aging infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to tree root intrusion, collapsing pipes, internal residue buildup and other events that may obstruct flow and cause reflux of sewage into a house.
Raw sewage clean-up isn't for the do-it-yourselfer. It's a health and safety emergency that calls for quick response by trained, properly-equipped plumbing and water damage/mold mitigation professionals.
Solid tips for sewage back-up
Once you have qualified assistance on the way, keep in mind these sewage back-up tips:
- Slow the flow. Don't flush any toilets, run water down drains, wash clothes, etc. If you know where your sewer cleanout port is located—it's a capped pipe in the ground along the route of the buried sewer pipe out in your yard—removing the cap may allow backed-up sewage to pour out through the cleanout. Relieving pressure in the pipe this way won't resolve the clog, but it may greatly reduce the volume of sewage backflowing into your house.
- Cut the power. If sewage has already contacted electrical outlets, extension cords, appliances, etc., call an electrician and stay out of that part of the house for your own safety. If the area around your main electrical panel is still dry and you can access the panel without contacting any sewage, shut off the power to rooms affected by sewage or to the entire house.
- Ventilate the house. While biohazards present in raw sewage are generally not airborne, the fumes are caustic, noxious and may trigger allergic reactions in individuals. Sewage has a particularly penetrating odor, as well, that may persist if it is absorbed by household materials. Open as many windows as you can safely reach and, if power is still present, run fans to flush the home with fresh air and reduce infiltration of sewer fumes as much as possible.
