Reducing the risk of sewer backups

6/9/2015 (Permalink)

This sewer backup in Dunmore, Pa was remediated safely by SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge.

In order to avoid blockage of sewer lateral pipes and the connecting city sewer main line – reducing your risk of suffering the damages caused by a sewer or drain backup - follow these tips:

• Dispose of cooking oil properly - when hot oil is poured directly down a drain, it eventually cools and solidifies, leading to a potential blockage over time. Store used cooking oil in a heat-resistant container and dispose of it properly.

• Only flush bathroom tissue - bathroom tissue is specially manufactured to deteriorate rapidly; however, other paper products including facial tissues, napkins, paper towels, diapers, feminine products - do not break down quickly and can lead to blockage in your sewer lateral pipes or the city sewer main line. Avoid flushing anything down the toilet other than bathroom tissue.

• Ensure proper plumbing connections connecting a French drain or sump pump directly to your sanitary sewer line leads to blockages from debris and silt. Joining metal piping together with plastic can sometimes constrict drainage flow if not done properly. Contact a plumber to ensure proper plumbing connections that meet all legal codes.

• Choose plastic - plastic pipes are the most reliable way to prevent tree roots from entering your drainage and sewer systems. Plastic piping is also less likely to collapse or break. Consider replacing outdated sewer lateral pipes with more durable plastic.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the training to properly clean any catergory 3 or dirty water backup. it is not recommened that you do this yourself. Call a professional. There are serious health consequences in dealing with dirty water.

Sewer backup cleanup is just one service SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is trained to remediate. If you suffer a sewer backup call us. We service all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties.