Owning a home with a basement can afford many great benefits and uses. Such areas not only can be used for massive storage but can be converted and transformed into livable spaces. Need to supplement your income? There is no better way than taking on a tenant. Maybe you want a place where you can go just to get away from everything. The possibilities are endless! Unfortunately, owning a basement does not come without risks. And one of those many risks will be the potential of backed-up sewage lines and water leaks.



As you likely already know, sewage lines are responsible for carrying away your unwanted waste. The line from your bathroom will eventually lead outside to a sewer main or septic tank. When clogs occur, it’s going to cause raw sewage to back up in these lines and eventually stop flowing altogether. Create enough pressure or sewage buildup and these lines will give, delivering raw sewage to your home.



Is Sewage Dangerous?



It goes without saying that sewage is smelly and unsightly, but just how dangerous is it? Sewage truly is a unique byproduct of human waste. It’s not just comprised of waste and waste products, but it also contains water, organic, and inorganic matter. There are mineral salts as well as garbage. The organic matter might seem less worrisome for some because it is known to naturally decompose quickly.



However, during this decomposition process, it creates and emits an odorous gas that is hazardous to your health. It only grows even more lethal when it is mixed with human waste. You throw in the potential disease-causing pathogens, and the need for quick removal of this substance only grows direr.



Backed-up sewage is without a doubt extremely dangerous and rated as a category 3 water or black water. It should be handled immediately most safely and effectively possible. How does one go about doing just that?



Help! Sewage Is Backed Up In My Basement



Finding standing sewage in your basement is troubling, to say the least. However, that doesn’t mean you should lose your head. Maintaining composure and taking the swiftest, most effective course of action will only ensure desired results. Here’s what you’ll need to consider immediately:





If sewage has built up in the basement it has also likely built up in the toilets and the sinks as well as the pipes leading to those appliances. The real trick of the matter is discovering where the clog is and going about unclogging it. It might be possible that the clog is near the toilet or sink. Not likely, but possible, so you’ll want to begin there.


Even if the sinks or toilets are not the culprits, you do not want to use them when you are experiencing blockages. Future use of these appliances will only cause further buildup. If the main line is blocked, you’ll only be introducing more waste in the basement.


Installed somewhere in your mainline there should be what’s referred to as a clean-out. It’s a T or Y joint with a threaded cap. This can be removed and offers access to the mainline for cleaning. If you are handy enough, you can remove this cap and attempt flushing the system yourself. If not, you’ll want to make sure the plumber has clear access to it.


If your basement is standing with water, you’ll want to immediately try to shut down the power flowing into the room. Stepping into this standing water with electricity flowing only creates potential electrocution hazards.




Always Assess The Risks



Dealing with standing water and sewage anywhere is dangerous. It’s an unsightly mess and one can easily lose themselves in it and make mistakes that only lead to more problems. Therefore, it is essential to compose yourself and start effective strategic planning. Getting sewage in your open cuts or sores could be dangerous to your health. Getting the substance in your nose, eyes, ears, or mouth only creates even more potential health hazards.



In such situations, you are much better off handing the job off to a professional. Just navigating through the mess to start the cleaning will require specialized gear, tools, and knowledge that most homeowners don’t even have on hand. Our specially trained teams are more than capable and ready to handle such jobs. We always have emergency teams standing by when and where they are needed. All it takes is a simple call to our local branch to get us on the scene.







via A1 Water & Mold Removal https://topmoldandwaterguysofsanantonio.com/how-to-handle-sewage-backup-in-your-basement/