Floods are the leading cause of home damage, putting a sewage backup as a primary cause for flooding. While flooding is primarily associated with the Spring and Summer seasons, preventative measures in winter tend to go overlooked. However, heavy rainfall and snow during the winter can cause sewage line backup and other problems, leading to flooding in your home.

Sewage Backup Causes

Sewage backups can create a huge mess and can lead to hazardous conditions if not cleaned up immediately with the proper equipment. In addition to the water damage to your possessions and home, sewage backup and flooding can create health risks for your household and pets.

Sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, and toxic substances. Preventing a sewage backup before it starts is better than dealing with the cleanup. Here are a few ways that sewage problems can start to help you prevent them.

• Blocked sewer vents
• Broken pipes
• Leaks in a waste line
• Improper sewage line planning
• Tree root blockage
• Structural defects to sewage lines
• Frozen septic systems

Signs of a Sewer Backup

Now that you know what can cause a sewage backup and can spot what is causing yours, it is important to know when a sewage backup is happening on your property. Most blockages, defects, and leaks are hidden underground and will not present themselves until it is too late. While you may not be able to diagnose the entire problem before it has already happened, there are a few warning signs to be aware of.

• Strong smells in the house, especially around drains from sinks or tubs.
• Gurgling noises from drains and toilets.
• Slow draining sinks, toilets, laundry tubs, and showers.

Tips to Avoid a Sewer Line Backup

In Chicago, we experience cold winter months, which can lead to freezing temperatures. To avoid a sewer line backup in these conditions, there are some specific precautions to take.

• Clear snow from the top of the sewer vents. The snow that is piled high can create vent blockages which can cause sewage gases that will release into your home.
• Keep the sewer vent from freezing during the winter months. Add additional insulation and work with a professional if it isn’t possible to do it yourself. Installing a heating element in the attic to keep your sewer vent thawed.
• Work with a professional to winter-proof your plumbing and to assess your home’s sewer line.
• Add water to drains. Sewer gas entering the home can also be avoided by added water to the the trap of less used drains or basement floor drains.

If your sewer-line does flood into your home, McMahon Services sewage cleanup crew has been providing water damage restoration services for over 20 years. Our staff is certified and ready to provide clean-up services immediately 24/7 to homes in Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Chicago, and the surrounding areas.

Call us or contact us on our website for more information and for a free consultation today.