While Le-Squeegee hopes that everyone can avoid having to deal with a sewer backup at there home or property, he has a few helpful tips on how to deal with the situation.
Know where your shutoffs are located – It may be necessary to shut off the water and electricity. Sometimes the sewage backup will continue unless the water is turned off. Standing water also presents a hazard with live electricity. It is a good idea to also shut off the power if it can be accessed safely.
Avoid cross contamination – Having a sewer backup is bad enough, do not cross contaminate any unaffected areas by walking through the mess. Also, make sure pets and children do not enter the contaminated area.
Let a professional handle the cleanup – A sewage backup can contain harmful bacteria. It is best to leave the cleanup to professionals who can properly disinfect the area and not cross contaminate. Cleanup requires attention to detail and specialized equipment that may not be available to all property owners.
Check with insurance to see if you are covered for a sewer loss – Not all insurance policies will cover a sewage loss. Coverage also varies depending on the source of the loss or backup. It is important to know what levels of coverage you have as property owner.
Keep drains clear to avoid a backup – Do not allow material to build up and block drains. Avoid flushing materials that are not designed to be flushed. Also, not not pour grease down drains as that can create a blockage.