Sewage Backup: Health Issues & Causes

In an ideal world, everything inside the house will always work perfectly and we'll have nothing to worry about. In the real world, however, things tend to go south from time to time. The plumbing system is a particularly one of those offenders. One of the worst plumbing disasters is when homeowners, without any warning, experience a sewage backup. Alburtis PA and surrounding area homeowners can call Robinson Plumbing for trusted and affordable plumbing services. A sewer backup is an experience that is extremely unpleasant. However, our plumbers can take care of the problem by properly diagnosing why it happened in the first place and finding the best solution to resolve it. When you experience a sewer backup... dirty and foul water may appear where it shouldn't. Overflowing toilets and septic tanks are also characteristic of a sewer backup. Sinks, tubs, and floor drains could also get backed-up. A situation like this is especially bad when it goes unnoticed for a few days. We have had homeowners who do not go into their basement often and when they do, they notice a sewer backup in the basement. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, the health complications, and the solutions to the problem.

What Causes Sewage Backup?

Clog

If the main sewer line gets clogged, then things can't flow through as they normally would. The sewage will eventually flow back up and give you headaches. This usually happens because of improper waste disposal. The clog might be located at any point in the system. The symptoms will provide clues about its location.

 

Roots

Another possible cause for a sewer backup... is the growth of tree roots. You should be careful when planting vegetation around your sewer line because roots can be persistent. They break into pipes, grow inside of them, and impede with the flow. This can eventually lead into a complete blockage. If you don't have any offending trees on your yard, then check your neighbor's yard. Their garden might be the culprit.

Sewers

Lastly, those who are living in older homes might want to check if there are structural issues in the sewer lines. These usually feature clay pipes and cast iron reinforcements. Decades of use can wear them down, causing cracks and breakage. They could even collapse with the walls blocking the line.

What Health Issues Can Arise?

Avoid exposure to raw sewage at all cost. There are many sewage backup health risks. Sewage contains dangerous microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. They also contain parasites that latch onto individuals. These parasites causes diseases like giardia. E. coli bacteria from fecal matter can get into drinking water and cause vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Family members may also develop Hepatitis A which is characterized by fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain. Typhoid fever is also something to watch out for because it can be fatal if untreated. People may develop rashes and feel extremely weak. Their body temperature shoots up while they deal with headache, cough, and stomach pain. This is why you should only hire a professional to do a sewage backup cleanup.

 

How Can The Problem Be Solved?

Deal with a situation like this quickly and efficiently to keep everyone safe and healthy. Many are tempted to try to fix it themselves using drain cleaning solutions and other DIY methods. However, these are unlikely to succeed and, generally, make the problem worse. The best way to solve it is to call an experienced plumber who can diagnose the situation and fix sewer backup right away. Professional plumbers have the tools and skills necessary for this type of work. For example, your situation may need an unclogging of the main sewer line which requires special tools in order for it to be successful.

Sewage Backup Alburtis PA

Once things have returned to normal, be sure to keep it that way through proper waste disposal and regular maintenance. A sewer line clean out may also be installed to make future maintenance and troubleshooting easier. To find a qualified plumber in the Lehigh Valley, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. All of our knowledgeable plumbers are certified with an extensive amount of skills, experience, and professionalism to diagnose any plumbing problem. Our services are always clean, fast, and affordable. When working with us, you can count on us to get your plumbing system in proper working order. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that offers a high standard of plumbing services. We service Alburtis PA 18011, Breinigsville PA 18031, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Fogelsville PA 18051, Hereford PA 18056, Macungie PA 18062, Maxatawny PA 19538, Mertztown PA 19539, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Palm PA 18070, Topton PA 19562, Trexlertown PA 18087, Zionsville PA 18092, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The article Sewage Backup: Health Issues & Causes is courtesy of Robinson Plumbing Articles