It can happen at a moment’s notice. One torrential downpour and you have a nightmare on your hands. Flooding caused by intense rainfall or rising water can be extremely detrimental to your home. Along with standing water, flooding can wreak havoc on your drains and pipes. Aside from regular health risks associated with flooding, like mold exposure, clogged drains can lead to complications like sewage backup. Generally, clogging and sewage backup take time to build up, but can occur unexpectedly during a heavy rain. No matter the reason for your clogged pipes, defense is your strongest preventative measure when it comes to preserving the water and sewer lines in your home. Regular inspections and maintenance can safeguard against costs that insurance may not cover. One of the best ways to keep drains from clogging is by keeping them clean. The word clean has a different sense here. Keeping your drains spotless wouldn’t hurt, but when we say clean we mean free of debris. Preventing objects like napkins, diapers, grease and paper towel from going down your drains keeps them running smoothly. The sewer lines and pipes will not have to fight against any blockages and have unrestricted flow. Along with keeping your pipes clean, avoid constructing sewer lines and other vital pipes near tree roots. As the foliage expands, intrusive roots can begin warping and even breaking your pipes. It may not seem like an issue at the time, but give a tree five years and it can lead to unforeseen property damage.

Avoiding clogged drains and sewage backups can also be achieved through the installation of a backwater valve. The valve should be placed at the lowest drain line. While you are installing the valve, check to see that the sewer cleanout in your yard is accessible. Keeping this area open can help you diagnose and treat issues faster.

One last preventative measure to consider is the use of a sump pump. Clogged drains and sewage backup usually means standing water. Having a working sump pump can mitigate water damage and give you a leg up on your property damage restoration.

Cleaning Detroit Property Damage from Clogged Drains and Sewage Backup

The presence of sewage in your home can significantly impact your health if not treated properly. If you decide to tackle the issue on your own, it’s important to use equipment like gloves, safety goggles, rubber boots and facemasks to combat bacteria and odors. Relocate any untouched items in the vicinity and be sure to keep children and animals away from the water damage. Sewage and water damage both require ventilation, so relying on fans in open windows is a good way to get some air circulating through the area. Soaked and dirty materials like carpets, drywall, insulation and consumable goods should be discarded. If furniture and clothes have been exposed to sewage or water, clean them thoroughly with bleach and warm water. Lastly, inspect the affected area for the presence of mold. Although you may not see it at first, mold can grow behind walls, under floors and on objects..

Metro Detroit Sewage Backup and Clogged Drains

Time is the most important element when it comes to treating clogged drains or sewage backup. Significant rainfall can happen over a short duration of time and your readiness to act can be the difference between a small fix or complete overhaul. When an influx of water floods your home, one of the first areas you want to focus on is the basement. Inspect drains in the area, as well as the sump pump, for functionality. If you come across a clogged drain it is important to remain calm. Your first reaction may be to reach for treatment chemicals to remove blockages, but this can actually cause further damage to the pipes. Instead rely on natural enzymes that can safely remove blockages from within the pipe. If a recent storm has you running to your bathroom to stop a sewage backup, one important action you can take is shutting off the water supply system. This will at least give you the chance to regulate the sewage backup and minimize contamination. In the event of any sewage backup situation, personal safety is paramount. Contaminants and bacteria in the sewage backup can spread through your house, creating a residue on clothes, furniture, walls, carpets and baseboards. While you may be able to treat some of these complications on your own, the safest solution is to contact a property damage restoration professional. Enlisting help from experts can solve property damage effectively and, depending on the water damage, may be covered by your insurance.

Metro Detroit is home to a slew of property damage restoration companies, which can make finding the right fit a challenge. One Detroit company with a proven service record is DriForce Property Restoration. The company’s restoration experts make water damage and sewage backup seem like it never even happened in the first place. Call or fill out our free online quote form to get started today.