A sewer backup is not a pleasant experience for anyone, and it’s important to catch sewer problems early before they become a huge mess and expense. ServiceMaster of Baltimore has helped clients deal with cleaning up after a sewage backup, and we want to help you prevent this smelly situation by letting you know about these 5 warning signs of a sewage backup.
What Causes Sewage Backups?
In most areas surrounding Baltimore, the sewer lines in your home connect to the public sewer system. Some homes may use a septic tank, but the concept is the same: wastewater flows out of your home and either goes to a treatment facility or to a septic tank somewhere on your property to be properly disposed of. Any blockage that occurs in this important system can result in a sewage backup, where the wastewater is unable to flow away from your home.
Fortunately for homeowners, there are often several warning signs before a major sewer disaster affects your home. Make sure you know what to look for so you can prevent a sewage backup from ruining your property.
1. Sewage Smell in the Drain
If you notice a foul odor coming from drains in your home, don’t wait to get it checked out. Drains that flow away from the home are not supposed to have an unpleasant odor, and it could mean that you’re dealing with a backup.
2. Bubbles Coming From Drains
When water tries to get past a clog in the drain pipe, there will be a bubble when it returns to the surface. If you see bubbles on multiple toilets or sinks, you might have a sewage backup on your hands.
3. Multiple Clogged Drains At Once
Pretty much everyone has had to deal with a clogged drain at some point. It’s usually caused by something fairly benign, such as excess hair or toilet paper. In cases like these, it’s a simple fix. But if you notice you have multiple drains clogged at once, it’s possible a sewage backup could be the problem. It’s even more of a concern if the clog is in a room that you don’t often use, such as your laundry room.
4. Toilets Flushing Slowly
If the toilets in your home don’t flush as well as they used to, there could be something wrong with your sewer line. Plunging your toilet doesn’t resolve a problem like this, and you will most likely want to get professional help handling the situation.
5. Large Tree Roots Nearby
Tree roots from large, older trees can grow around and inside sewer lines or somewhere in the drain field if you have a septic tank. If you notice any of the above problems and you also have old trees growing where your sewer lines are, get professional sewer help immediately. Tree roots will make the problem worse if left untreated.
ServiceMaster of Baltimore Disaster Restoration
We hope that you can prevent sewer backups, but if you do have to deal with a large sewer cleanup, call ServiceMaster of Baltimore. We offer reconstruction, drying, cleaning, and returning your property to you in even better condition than before. Call us at 410-780-1700 for prompt, professional service from a local company you can trust.
