Tag Archives: sewer

Warning Signs of a Potential Sewer Back Up

Sewer backups are not only unpleasant but also pose significant health risks and property damage. Recognizing the early warning signs of a potential sewer backup is crucial in preventing a minor issue from becoming a major catastrophe. This article delves into the critical indicators of sewer system distress, offering valuable insights to help homeowners and property managers identify and address these issues promptly.

Topic	Key Points
Introduction	Overview of sewer backup importance and article contents.
Early Indicators	Identifying initial warning signs of sewer backup.
Recognizing Serious Signs	Understanding more severe indicators and immediate actions.
Preventive Measures and Solutions	Strategies to prevent sewer backups and professional solutions.
Conclusion and Call to Action	Summary and invitation to contact Restoration Certified Specialists.

Early Indicators

Unusual Noises from Drains and Toilets

One of the first signs of a potential sewer backup is strange noises emanating from your drains and toilets. Gurgling or bubbling sounds can indicate a blockage in the sewer line, preventing normal airflow and water flow. It’s essential to pay attention to these auditory clues, as they often precede more serious issues.

Slow-Draining Sinks and Bathtubs

Another early warning sign is the slow drainage of sinks, bathtubs, and showers. While this can sometimes be due to simple clogs, consistent or widespread slow draining across multiple fixtures might suggest a problem in the main sewer line.

Unusual noises in plumbing
Slow-draining sinks and bathtubs
Foul odors from drains

Foul Odors from Drains

A noticeable, persistent bad odor emanating from drains could indicate a problem in the sewer line. This unpleasant smell is often a result of sewage or waste materials that are stuck or backing up in the pipes.

Recognizing Serious Signs

Water Backup in Multiple Fixtures

When water starts backing up in multiple fixtures—such as toilets, sinks, and tubs—it’s a strong indicator of a sewer line issue. This simultaneous backup, especially when using one fixture causes water to appear in another, signifies a blockage in the main sewer line.

Changes in Lawn or Garden Appearance

Unusual changes in your lawn, such as soggy patches or extra-lush sections, can signal a sewer line leak underground. These signs should not be ignored, as they can quickly escalate into more significant problems, including damage to the foundation of your property.

Presence of Mold

The presence of mold around plumbing fixtures or walls can be a sign of an underlying sewage problem. It often indicates excessive moisture, which could be due to a hidden leak in the sewer line. For more information about mold and its risks, refer to the article on black mold exposure.

Preventive Measures and Solutions

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of your property’s sewer system are crucial in preventing backups. This includes cleaning drains, inspecting pipes for cracks or damage, and ensuring the proper functioning of sump pumps and backwater valves.

Professional Cleaning and Repair

For significant blockages or damages, professional cleaning and repair are essential. Specialists in sewer systems can use advanced tools and techniques to effectively address the problem. For comprehensive services, visit RCS services.

Upgrading Sewer Lines

In some cases, upgrading old or damaged sewer lines might be necessary. This preventive measure can be crucial in older homes or properties with outdated plumbing systems.

Health and Safety Hazards of Sewer Backups in Residential Homes

Sewer backups in residential homes are not only inconvenient but also pose serious health and safety risks. Exposure to raw sewage can result in various diseases due to the presence of harmful bacteria and viruses, including Campylobacteriosis, Cryptosporidiosis, and Hepatitis A.

Symptoms from these diseases range from fever and diarrhea to more severe conditions like liver infection and gastrointestinal distress. Moreover, sewer backups release toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia, which can cause sickness, disorientation, and in extreme cases, organ damage or death.

In addition to health risks, these backups can lead to significant property damage and safety hazards. Water mixing with electrical systems can create a risk of electrocution and electrical fires. The damage can extend to floors, walls, and personal belongings, often resulting in costly repairs. Homeowners are advised to take preventative measures, such as regular sewer maintenance and proper disposal of waste, to mitigate these risks.

Key preventive steps include:

Regular inspection and maintenance of sewer lateral lines.
Proper disposal of grease and paper products is necessary to prevent clogs.
Installation of backwater prevention valves to prevent sewage from entering the home.

Prompt professional assessment and intervention are crucial to minimize health risks and property damage in the event of a sewer backup.

Conclusion

Understanding and recognizing the warning signs of a potential sewer backup can save property owners time, money, and stress. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your property against these unpleasant and hazardous situations.

For more detailed information or assistance, please feel free to contact Restoration Certified Specialists in Santa Rosa, CA with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Our expert team is equipped to provide expert advice and solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Remember, addressing these signs early can prevent major disruptions and ensure the safety and integrity of your property.

Eliminating Odor from a Sewer Backup

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Sewer backups are one of the worst things a homeowner may have to contend with. Unfortunately, it happens.

It’s possible that even after you’ve thoroughly cleaned, dried, and deodorized the area, the horrible sewer back-up smells remains.

Here are possible reasons for the lingering smell and what to do about it.

Broken or Missing Cleanout Plug

The cleanout plug is important because it controls wastewater flow and directs it back down the sewer pipe.

If the plug is broken or missing, what you continue to smell is the sewer gas coming up through the sewer pipe.

By removing the sewer pipe grate, check the cleanout plug to make sure it’s in place and in good working condition. Installing or replacing a broken plug should eliminate the sewer smell.

Water Trap

The water trap may be the source of a continued sewer smell because a) there’s still sewage or other waste missed or left behind during the cleanup process or b) there’s no water in the trap. A dry water trap can release a strong, foul odor.

If this is the issue, remove whatever is stuck inside the water trap and rinse with mild soap and hot water. Once clean water is back in the water trap, the smell will disappear.

Another Round of Cleaning

It’s possible to have missed something during the first round of cleaning. It’s also possible that you used a cleaning product that while intended for deep cleaning, didn’t quite do the job.

A simple solution of bleach or vinegar in hot water may be the answer for getting rid of that lingering sewer smell.

You might also try a flushing cleanse by pouring an approximate quarter cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and after 30 minutes, flush with hot water.

Call a Local Cleanup Company

If the odor continues to be a problem, there may be something more going on that needs the expertise of professionals who know how to identify the source of the odor and get rid of it for good.

There’s always a chance that mold has set in, which is one of the biggest concerns after a sewer backup.

Conclusion

If you experience a minor sewer backup, you can follow the very important steps of cleaning, disinfecting, and drying yourself.

However, if the job is too overwhelming, there is toxic bacteria left behind, or a foul sewer smell that won’t go away, don’t hesitate to call a professional clean up and restoration service.

In Santa Rosa, RCS is here to help with emergency sewer backups, flooding, clean up, eliminating odors, and mold remediation.

The Risk of Sewer Backups in Older Homes

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You may love your older home because of its charm and character.

However, along with charm and character, an older home also comes along with the potential for cracks, leaks and failing pipes.

Here’s how to minimize your risk of a sewer backup in an older home.

Common Causes of a Sewer Backup

Clog or Blockage

The most common cause of a sewer backup is due to a clogged drain pipe or in the sewer line under your home.

Clogs can result from an overload of grease, hair, or anything else obstructing the flow of wastewater.

Problems with a sump pump can also cause a clog somewhere in the drainage flow.

Cracks in Underground Sewer Pipes

Older homes have older underground pipes. When these homes were built, the pipes were made of clay or cast iron. Clay pipes can completely collapse and usually do over time. Cast iron rusts and the pipes become damaged fairly easily.

These cracks and holes grow larger until the system can no longer function properly and that means a potential sewer backup for you.

Tree Roots

Old, large trees have incredibly long-reaching roots underground. Sometimes, these tree roots make their way to one of your underground pipes, especially if there’s a water leak. Tree roots always seek out water sources, so a leaky pipe is a prime target.

Tree roots can easily grow into a small leak and create a large hole. They can also grow around the pipe, making water flow difficult and may result in a sewer backup.

Heavy Rain or Floods

During a period of heavy rains, the city’s main sewer system may become overloaded and unable to handle large amounts of water.

If the main sewer system floods, it’s possible for the excess water to end up in the sewer pipes leading to your home.

A telltale sign of a main sewer system flood that reaches your sewer pipes is if your sinks are filling up with water and draining slowly.

Signs of a Potential Sewer Backup

Primarily in place to process wastewater, the sewer system is a complex but necessary part of maintaining a clean, healthy home environment.

By removing wastewater, it reduces the potential for flooding and stops the spread of water-based bacteria, toxins, and the spread of disease.

A sewer backup changes all of that by allowing toxic wastewater to backup right into your home.

Watch for these signs of a potential sewer back up:

Multiple clogged drains (showers, sinks and toilets especially in the lowest level of your home).
Gurgling noises from a sink as toilets flush, or vice versa
Toilets not flushing even after plunging
Bubbling as water drains from sinks or toilets

Conclusion

If you notice any of the issues when flushing toilets or running water through your sinks, don’t wait until a sewer backup strikes.

For sewer backup prevention or cleanup, call the water and sewer damage specialists at RCS today.

Tackling a Sewer Backup After Heavy Rains

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Sewer backups from clogged pipes or other plumbing issues are never easy to deal with. But dealing with sewer issues from heavy rains is even more frustrating and challenging.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for and minimize the damage from a weather-related sewer backup.

Rainy Season Water Problems

Typically, California’s rainy season stretches from October through February. However, with the wild patterns the entire country has been experiencing this year, the threat of heavy rains could easily extend through March.

Along with those heavy rains comes the threat of storm drain problems and sewer backups for homeowners.

Weather-related issues experienced during summer and fall come to light during the rainy season.

A drought, for example, causes trees to sink roots deeper into the ground seeking water. When they do, the roots can get into your sewer pipes and drains which spells problems for you.

Another common issue is clogged sewer pipes. When heavy rains hit clogged sewer pipes, the excess water has nowhere to go so the amount of groundwater increases.

Excess groundwater not only creates standing water in your yard and around the foundation of your home, but it can also get into cracks in your pipes. This causes plumbing problems, flooding, and/or interferes with water flow from your home to the sewer main, resulting in a sewer backup.

Mudslides, flash flooding, storm drain overflow, sewer line failure and backups are the unfortunate reality for many homeowners during the rainy season.

Signs of a Sewer Backup

Before a full-blown sewer backup, there may be telltale signs to warn you of its impending arrival.

If you notice any of these warning signs, call in a plumber specializing in sewer backups as soon as possible.

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises coming from sinks and toilets certainly indicate a slow drain, but if you hear gurgling while running the dishwasher or washing machine, it points to a main sewer line backup. If water backs up into the shower while running water in the bathroom sink, this also indicates a main sewer line backup.

Slow Drains

If you notice your toilets and sinks draining water slowly, it may be due to a blocked sewer line. Check sinks and toilets in your home’s lowest level to see if they are draining slowly. If all the drains are draining slowly, it’s more than likely a blockage in the main sewer line.

Standing Water at Floor Drains

For floor drains in a basement, laundry room or anywhere there’s a floor drain, sewer lines often back up around these drains first. Water that rises, isn’t draining and back ups around floor drains indicates a clog and wastewater cannot drain properly.

Strong, Unpleasant Smell

You’ll notice a disgusting smell coming from the floor drain caused by wastewater sitting in the pipe for too long. The foul odor comes from the sewage ready to back up onto the floor. While it smells terrible, it’s even worse to breathe in and to come in contact with the dangerous toxins and bacteria found in sewage.

Sewer Backup Prevention Strategies

There are several things you can do to prevent or minimize the threat of a sewer backup during heavy rains. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Check Valves

A plumber can install check valves on your floor drains and lower-level plumbing fixtures. A check valve allows water to run out of a drain and then prevents it from coming back into the drain. This is a lifesaver if city sewers become overwhelmed during heavy rains.

Sump Pump

Depending on the model, installation of a sump pump can help keep excess groundwater from seeping into your home or remove excess water from the foundation.

Sewer Line Inspection

Typically, a camera is used during the inspection to identify blockages in the underground sewer lines. These inspections are very helpful to prevent water or sewer line problems due to roots, cracks in the line, hair/grease, or other obstructions.

Conclusion

With a proactive approach, the odds are in your favor for sailing through California’s rainy season without any damage.

If the damage has been done, call RCS in Santa Rosa. We’re here 24/7 to help with all your flood and sewer backup restoration needs.

Detecting & Preventing Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line

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One cause of a sewer backup may be due to tree roots getting into your sewer line.

Tree roots can block the line and cause sewage to back up into your home, in addition to causing damage to your sewer line and plumbing.

Here are some of the things to watch for and ways to prevent tree roots from causing a sewer back up.

Why Tree Roots Grow in Sewer Lines

A big shady tree is a beautiful landscape feature, but the bigger the tree, the longer the reach of the roots.

Tree roots are drawn to a leak in a sewer line because it provides the perfect environment for the tree to grow. A leaky sewer line gives the roots oxygen, water and food.

While tree roots don’t initially cause problems with sewer backups, it’s when the tree roots grow and flourish over time that give them the potential to cause all kinds of damage.

Older homes or those surrounded by large trees are especially prone to this type of problem.

Signs of Possible Tree Root Problems

Here are some signs that you may have tree roots blocking your sewer lines:

Slow draining sinks and tubs
Frequent plumbing back ups in floor drains or tubs
Toilets that won’t flush or make gurgling noises
Gurgling noises from floor drains
Unpleasant, lingering sewer odor
Frequent clogs

Tree Root Fixes

There are a few options when dealing with tree roots that have infiltrated your sewer lines.

Mechanical Removal

Rent an auger, which is a piece of equipment you “snake” down through a floor drain or toilet to clear through the root blockages.

The upside of this method is that it most likely will clear enough of the roots to provide a temporary fix until the problem is properly corrected.

The downsides of this method are that it requires some sweat equity, may require several attempts, and may not be able to clear through the blockage. The biggest drawback is that it’s only temporary and those tree roots will grow back.

Chemical Removal

Using a foaming herbicide-laden root killer might do the trick and doesn’t harm your pipes.

The chemicals contained in these products kill tree roots on contact and prevents most new growth. These products are typically used directly in the toilet but follow directions carefully.

Prevention Measures

Identify where the sewer lines run through your yard. Digger’s Hotline can mark your property, so you know exactly where underground lines and utilities are located. A phone call requesting this service can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
When planting trees for landscape purposes, don’t plant the trees near sewer or water lines.
If you plant trees near sewer lines, choose smaller, slow-growing varieties.
If you discover where the sewer lines are located and large trees are planted nearby, you may want to have them removed now to avoid potential future issues with ever-growing tree roots.
You may need to hire a plumber who specializes in identifying and clearing clogs in sewer pipes. They can “camera” your pipes and verify whether you have tree roots or something else blocking your pipes.

Conclusion

If it’s too late and the damage after a bad sewer backup is done, call the Sonoma County water and sewage extraction specialists at RCS.

How Leaves Affect Your Septic System

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Millions of leaves descend to the ground during the fall. While they can be a beautiful sight, they can be a huge nuisance for homeowners. One particular issue is them clogging your septic system. This post will explore how leaves can ruin your septic lines and a few ways you can protect your sewer from them.

Do Leaves Cause Problems for Septic Lines?

Surprisingly, leaves can create serious issues for septic lines. Large quantities of them can collect together and make a large wet bundle. The longer they stick together, the harder they’ll be to remove. Eventually, the clump could block pipes making it harder for your sewer to function. Sometimes, the mold they produced could also eat away at the pipes causing them to crack.

Because of the unique gravity situation with your sewer, the more the leaves sit on its drainage field, the more likely they will cause it to sink. This could create heavy puddles which could lead to sinkholes.

How to Protect Your Sewer From Leaves

Rake Leaves Away From It: One of the best ways to prevent leaves from clogging your sewer is to consistently remove them. While this might be a hassle at first, it will be worth it in the end. Regular raking will prevent leaf build-up around the sewer. It can also stop mold growth within the leaves which could eventually sneak into your home. Make sure to fully remove them though from the spot. Otherwise, they could blow back and fill the area again.

Do Regular Inspections: You’ll also want to frequently check the sewer and the devices connected to it. If you notice your toilet backing up, the sounds of running water in the walls, or smell a strong odor coming from the sewer, you’ll want to get it checked out immediately by a professional.

Use a Drain Guard: If your home has an outdoor drain it’s an easy target for leaves. To stop them from flushing into this area, place a drain guard over it. This slotted tool allows water to easily flow into the section but keeps leaves out. Keep in mind that you’ll need to wipe it off every so often so the rain can easily flow through.

Colorful fall leaves are a stunning natural wonder but they can wreak havoc on your sewer. If you’re concerned they might have caused sewer or water damage, in Sonoma County, contact RCS. Our team will inspect the issue and get to work fixing it.

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