When most homeowners think of water damage, they picture leaky pipes or a flooded basement after heavy rain. But one of the most serious and hazardous types of water damage comes from something many people don’t consider until it’s too late – sewage backups. Not only can sewage backups ruin floors, walls, and personal belongings, but they can also introduce dangerous bacteria and toxins into your home.
Sewage water is also referred to as “black water,” because it’s unsafe and requires immediate, professional attention. At Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc., we specialize in handling the sewage cleanup St Louis homes can experience at any moment and are ready to help protect your home and health. Let’s take a closer look at what causes these messy incidents and what the proper response and prevention strategies are.
What Causes a Sewage Backup?
Understanding what leads to a sewage backup is the first step in preventing one. Here are the most common causes we see in homes across St. Louis:
Blockages in the Sewer Lines
Over time, grease, hair, paper products, and other debris can build up in your home’s main sewer line, leading to faulty plumbing issues. When dirt infiltrates the line and it gets blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go and starts flowing back into your home.
Natural Root Invasion
In their constant search for water, tree roots can easily find their way into even the tiniest cracks in sewer pipes. As they grow, they can block or break the line entirely, leading to backups.
Damaged or Collapsed Pipes
Older homes often have clay or cast iron pipes, which can break down over time. A collapsed pipe or shifting soil can block the flow of sewage and cause a backup.
Heavy Rain and Flooding
When the city sewer system gets overwhelmed during a storm, it can cause sewage to back up into homes, especially if the home doesn’t have a backflow prevention valve.
What Are the Health Risks Associated with Sewage Backups?
There’s more to sewage backups than the mess on the floor. This type of contaminated water can severely affect the health of those around it. It can contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause:
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Coming into contact with sewage-contaminated surfaces can lead to illnesses such as E. coli and salmonella infections.
- Skin and Eye Irritation: Even brief exposure to black water can cause rashes, infections, or irritation of the eyes and skin.
- Respiratory Issues: Sewage backups often lead to mold growth within 24-48 hours, which can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions, especially in children and the elderly.
Can I Clean up a Sewage Backup Myself? The Right Response and Prevention
Being one of the most common causes of water damage in homes, it’s important to know how to avoid sewage backups. While not all backups can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Don’t Pour Grease or Oils Down the Drain: When grease or oils harden in the pipes, they can easily cause clogs
- Get a Backflow Valve: This one-way valve prevents sewage from re-entering your home if the municipal system gets overwhelmed.
- Have Sewer Lines Inspected: Especially if you live in an older home or have many trees on your property, having a professional inspection once a year can catch problems early.
- Act Quickly if a Backup Occurs: If you see signs of a backup, such as slow drains, gurgling toilets, or water coming up from the floor drains, call a professional right away. Avoid touching or cleaning the water yourself, as exposure to sewage water is dangerous.
Why Choose Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc.
At Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc., we understand that facing a sewage backup is incredibly stressful and hazardous. That’s why our team is trained, licensed, and equipped to respond quickly and safely. We’ve helped families across St. Louis recover from water damage and sewage backups with fast, thorough restoration services. We use commercial-grade equipment to:
- Extract contaminated water
- Remove damaged materials
- Clean and disinfect all affected surfaces
- Prevent mold growth with antimicrobial treatments
- Restore your home to its pre-damage condition
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we treat every home with the same care we’d give our own. If you want to see a real-life example of how we treat sewage backups, check out this St. Louis Basement Sewage Cleanup Project.
Call Us Today for Fast Sewage Backup Cleanup in St. Louis!
If you’re dealing with water damage from a sewage backup – or want to prevent one – start immediately! The longer sewage sits in your home, the worse the damage and the health risks become. Call Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc. today at (314) 664-8844 for fast, professional help in St. Louis and surrounding areas, or fill out this online form for a free estimate. Let us restore the safety, comfort, and cleanliness of your home!
