
Sewage Backup
1-800-Plumber +air & Electric of Amarillo
If you've ever experienced a sewage backup in your home, you know just how devastating it can be. Not only does the sewage itself pose a health hazard, but the smell can be overwhelming and the cleanup process is often long and arduous. In addition, sewage backups can cause serious damage to your property.
If you're dealing with a sewage backup, it's important to act quickly. The first step is to call a professional plumber who can assess the situation and take the necessary steps to mitigate the damage. In some cases, such as when the sewage backup is caused by a clogged drain, the plumber may be able to resolve the issue without having to do any major work. However, in other cases, such as when the sewage backup is caused by a broken pipe, the plumber will need to take more drastic measures.
No matter what the cause of your sewage backup, 1-800-Plumber +Air & Electric of Amarillo is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to quickly resolve any sewage issue, no matter how big or small. We understand the importance of acting fast in these situations, so we'll always arrive on time and get the job done right. Contact us today.
Take a Closer Look at the Smell
The EPA estimates that there are as many as 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows in the U.S. each year. So if your home experiences a backup, you're far from alone.
But how can you tell if that smell is your sewer when there are so many potential sources of bad smells in the average home?
Is It Just Smelly or More Than That?
Sewer backups tend to release specific gases. These include:
Hydrogen sulfide
Ammonia
Methane
In addition to smelling nasty, these gases can cause physical symptoms in people exposed to them. Common reactions include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Memory problems
Difficulty breathing
If you or other members of your household experience any of these symptoms at the same time you're noticing noxious smells, it's a good bet that you need the help of a plumbing professional right away.
Consider Other Indicators
You can also narrow down the cause of suspicious odors by looking for other common indicators of sewer problems. These include:
Gurgling sounds in your pipes or fixtures.
Visible backup in your tub, sinks, or floor drains
Visible evidence of your sewer backing up into a ditch or other above-ground outdoor spaces
Sudden or unexplained lushness in your lawn
Mold or mildew on your walls or near your pipes
Fixtures that are slow to drain
Visible leaks or moisture collection on or around the piping in your home
The appearance of or an increase in pests in or around your home
Fixture Problems
Sinks, tubs, and other fixtures that gurgle, drain slowly, or visibly back up with fluid are key indicators of potentially serious piping problems. Whenever you encounter one or more of these indicators alongside a foul smell, it's a sure sign that your sewer is at fault and you need to take action right away.
Outdoor Indicators
If you aren't sure about the source of an unwelcome smell inside your house, take a walk around your yard.
Is your lawn suddenly lush and green without explanation? Does that lushness appear in narrow bands across your lawn? If so, you almost certainly have broken piping.
If you notice new signs of pests or visible backup of water or other substances into ditches or low spots, that is also a sign you need professional help at once.
Mold and Mildew
Don't forget to look for mold and mildew, particularly in rooms that have fixtures with drains or in your basement. Both grow and thrive in damp areas, and if you start to see them where you haven't before it may be because a sewer leak is causing extra humidity or water invasion.