When it rains a lot, it can produce more than just damp yards and flooded streets. It can also make sewage back up into homes in Alexandria. Not only is sewage backup messy, but it can also be bad for your health. That’s why every resident in Alexandria should know what causes sewage cleanup Alexandria, what the risks are, and how to do it safely.
This tutorial will show you how to keep your home and family safe from sewage problems when it rains heavily.
Why sewage backups happen when it rains hard
When it rains a lot, the city’s drainage system can get too much water. This causes precipitation to mingle with sewage, which the system can’t handle. After that, sewage can get back into homes through sinks, toilets, and drains.
Backups can also happen when sewer lines are clogged or broken. Pipes can get clogged with tree roots, grease, and debris. When it rains a lot, these bottlenecks cause sewage to run back into basements and lower floors. This happens more regularly in Alexandria’s older neighborhoods with ancient plumbing.
Health Risks of Sewage Backups
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are some of the bad germs that live in sewage. People can acquire stomach infections, skin rashes, or trouble breathing if they handle raw sewage. People can also feel ill or disoriented when they breathe in the scent of sewage. People with weak immune systems, kids, and older folks get sick more easily.
Standing sewage also makes mold and mildew thrive. The water can get into walls, flooring, and furniture. It can create harm and foul smells that linger for a long time if you don’t clean it right away.
What to Do Right Away When Your Sewage Backs Up
If you observe indicators of sewage backup during a strong rainstorm, you need to act quickly to protect your family and home. Alexandria homeowners should do the following:
- Be Safe: Don’t touch sewage since it carries bacteria that can make you sick. To keep yourself safe, wear gloves, long sleeves, and boots that won’t get wet. Also, don’t let youngsters or dogs near the unclean water.
- Shut Off Utilities: If there is a lot of water, cut off the power in the area that is wet. This keeps you safe because water and electricity might cause shocks or fires.
- Stop the Water: Quickly turn off your main water valve if you can find it. This keeps more water from getting into your home and making the problem worse.
- Snap Photos: Use your phone or camera to snap clear images and videos of the damage. These make it easier to communicate with your insurance company and get your home fixed faster.
Why You Should Hire a Professional to Clean Up Sewage
You can clear up little spills, but sewage backups demand professionals. In Alexandria, trained cleanup crews have the appropriate instruments and knowledge to safely get rid of contaminated water. They also clean and disinfect all the locations that were impacted to stop the spread of germs. For instance, a reliable carpet cleaner in Alexandria, VA may help get rid of bacteria and stains on carpets after a flood. They also have specific devices that dry your home rapidly and keep mold from forming.
Cleaning up sewage yourself is dangerous and not enough. Taking out the water alone won’t kill all the germs and bacteria. If you hire specialists, they will make sure your home is clean, safe, and back to normal.
How homeowners in Alexandria can keep sewage from backing up
Stopping sewage backups before they happen is the greatest approach to keep your house safe during heavy rain. Just do these simple things:
- Check your sewer lines often: Get a professional to look at them every one to two years. This helps discover problems early, including cracks or clogs, before they do a lot of damage.
- Put in backflow valves: When it rains a lot, backflow valves keep sewage from coming back into your home. These valves can keep the lower floors and basement dry.
- Get rid of trash the right way: Don’t put grease, cooking oils, wipes, or paper towels down the sink. These objects can block pipes and cause sewage to back up.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clean: Make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly. They help keep rainwater from getting into your house and lower the amount of water that goes into the sewer system.
- Be on the lookout for tree roots: Check for tree roots near your sewer pipes. Roots can break pipes or get in the way of them, which can cause backups. Get a professional to securely remove roots that are near pipes.
Insurance for sewage backup and other problems
A lot of homeowners think that their normal insurance covers all damage caused by water. But coverage for sewage backups is usually distinct. Look over your insurance policy very carefully. If you don’t have it, think about getting sewage backup protection. This insurance can assist in paying for repairs, cleaning, and even interim accommodation if you need it.
Final Thoughts
Sewage backups during heavy rain are more than simply a pain; they can hurt your health and destroy your home. Alexandria households need to know what causes backups, what the risks are, and what to do right away to minimize harm. You may secure your house by taking actions to stop backups, hiring professionals to clean up, and getting the correct insurance. You can stop heavy rain from turning into a sewage disaster by being ready and educated.