5 Steps To Take if Your Plumbing Backs Up

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

It may be best to temporarily shut off water to the house to prevent flooding

The Following Steps Can Help You Limit The Damage

A sewer backup can cause many problems for your West Miami, FL, home. If the water backs up too much into your bathtubs, sinks, or toilets, it can start to overflow. If this happens, the following steps can help you limit the damage.

1. Turn Off the Water
If there is any water in use in the house, it might be contributing to the overflow. Turn off any appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines. In some cases, it may be best to temporarily shut off water to the house to prevent flooding.

2. Relocate Items From the Area
In order to keep them from becoming too damaged, you should remove any items that you can from the area. Move belongings to a dry location and set aside anything that has already been affected as they may be able to be salvaged.

3. Remove Excess Water
When it is left to sit, water can cause a number of different problems. It can weaken building materials and cause wood to warp. It can often cause mold to grow as well. For this reason, water should be removed as quickly as possible.

4. Clean and Sanitize
The water involved in a sewer backup is often category 3 or black water. This means that it carries a large number of bacteria and contaminants. Anything that comes into contact with this water will need to be thoroughly cleaned. If this is not possible, it will need to be replaced.

5. Address the Underlying Issue
If you don’t figure out the cause, you might continue to have a sink, toilet, or bathtub backup. In some cases, this can be as simple as a clogged pipe. In others, there may be more significant damage to the plumbing system. It is often best to hire a professional to determine the problem.
Because the problem can be difficult to fix on your own and the water is often unsafe to handle without the proper gear, you should have a professional cleanup and restoration company take care of a sewer backup. They can locate the source of the problem and return your home to its previous condition.