Sewage backup can happen suddenly, without any notice. When it does, you would need to act fast. The longer you delay in taking action, the worse the situation will get. So, you would need to know about a few basic things before you deal with San Jose sewage backup cleanup.
So, what exactly is sewage backup? Well, it can be defined as when sewage and/or wastewater come up a sink, toilet, or drain. They are usually caused when something blocks the sewer pipes and prevents the water from flowing freely. The water flow overflows and accumulates, causing damage to the home’s structure. It also contains harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses, which can cause diseases.
So, what leads to sewage backup? Well, there can be several reasons which can cause it. Here are some of the most common reasons for sewage backup.
One of the most common reasons for a sewer backup is clogs in the drain pipes or main sewer lines that are located beneath the ground. The blockage can be caused by grease, hair, or other solid materials. Clogs can also happen due failure of the sump pump in the basement.
Sewer lines are a system of underground pipes, and they are often located near things like rocks and roots. Often it so happens that the root may start to grow towards a pipe that already has a small leak. Once the tree root reaches the pipe, it may cause the crack to get larger or grow around it. This results in sewage backup. Even if you don’t have any trees in your backyard, the trees in your neighbor’s yard can cause problems.
Old sewer pipes are highly susceptible to damage. A sewer backup may be the result of such damages. This is especially common in the case of cast iron and clay pipes as they do not last very long and are commonly prone to cracks.
Heavy rain and extreme weather conditions like hurricanes and tidal waves can be a cause of sewer backup. When your area receives a large amount of rain, the municipal sewer system often reaches its maximum capacity. This way, the excess water in the sewage system may travel to the residential sewage pipes that are connected to your house, causing backups.
There can be other reasons for sewage backups as well. Before the work begins, a thorough assessment is carried out to detect the exact nature of the damage and then formulate the right method to solve the friend.
As said before, the sewage backup can cause a range of damages to your home and pose a lot of serious health risks to you and your family. Here are some of the common risks associated with sewage backup-
Sewage water almost always contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness in your family members. Avoid direct contact with raw sewage or even breathe it in, as you could catch diseases like Hepatitis A, Gastroenteritis, and E. Coli.
Sewage water can also damage your floors, walls, and furniture. In the worst scenarios, it can cause significant damages, which might be challenging or expensive to repair.
Sewage water has decaying organic matter, which is perfect for mold growth. The water gets soaked up by the walls quickly, and that leads to mold and mildew.
Time Since Backup | Damage Caused |
0-24 hours | Sewage and water may still be present on surfaces and in porous materials such as drywall, carpet, and furniture. Bacteria and viruses in the sewage can begin to spread and cause health risks. |
24-48 hours | Foul odors and mold may begin to develop. Structural materials such as wood and drywall may begin to warp or swell, and electrical systems may be at risk. |
2-7 days | Mold growth becomes more prevalent and can begin to spread rapidly. The risk of structural damage and electrical issues increases. |
1-4 weeks | Mold and bacteria can cause significant health risks, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Structural damage may become more extensive, and the cost of repairs may increase. |
Over 1 month | Long-term damage to structural materials and personal belongings may be irreparable. Health risks may be severe, and the cost of repairs may be very high. |
So, when is the right time to call for a professional San Jose sewage backup cleanup? Well, you would need to look for certain signs. Here are some of the signs that tell you that it’s time to call the sewage backup cleanup team
If there is a clog in the sewer drain, air bubbles will develop. Those bubbles will generate gurgling sounds from a drain. You can also hear something similar from the toilet when you flush.
Unlike kitchen sinks, you don’t usually smell odors from the bathroom sink, tub, shower, and laundry drain. This might be a sign that there is some problem with the sewage system.
If water is backing up in the tub or shower, this is a clear sign that there is a blockage in the pipes.
During sewage backup, you would need to keep your calm and follow the right safety precautions. Here are some of the safety precautions that you need to take.
So, why should you get our services for San Jose sewage backup?
There are several reasons why you can count on us. Here are some of the biggest reasons why homeowners like you trust our services.
Resto Pros Inc has a team with years of industry experience. This has helped them to gain a high level of expertise in the field. Their expertise enables us to deliver highly effective solutions to all your issues.
We follow all the relevant codes, rules, and recommendations like OSHA, NIOSH, EPA, and the like. This ensures that we meet the highest standards of safety and quality.
We are always dedicated to your health and safety. That’s why we take all the safety measures to avoid any further damage or expose your loved ones to risks.
The process we follow depends on the specific challenges of the case. Here are some of the general steps that we follow for the San Jose Sewage Backup Cleanup.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of the affected area to identify the source, extent, and nature of the damage caused by sewage water.
Next, you will get a detailed budget estimate for the project, based on the assessment. It would give you a detailed list of tasks that need to be performed for restoration.
At this stage, the area will be secured properly and all necessary steps will be taken to prevent cross-contamination. This would reduce the chances of the pathogens spreading to other areas of the home.
The items that can be salvaged will be removed from the affected area in a responsible way.
If there is a significant amount of standing water, high-power pumps would be used to drain them out from the affected area.
After draining the water out, the first round of disinfectant will be applied which would arrest the development of microbial growth.
Next, the source of leakages will be fixed properly.
The area will be washed with industrial strength cleaner.
Dehumidifiers and fans will be used to dry the area effectively.
After drying the area, the second round of disinfectant is applied to eliminate all the pathogens.
Next, a mild yet pleasant deodorizer to get rid of all the foul smells and odors.
A final inspection will be conducted to make sure that the area is completely dry and free from damage or any disease-causing pathogens.
Yes, we do offer emergency services for San Jose sewage backup cleanup. We have a team ready for dispatch round the clock, who can respond to your calls in as little as 30 minutes.
It is recommended that you give us a call as soon as you encounter sewage backup. Things would start to get worse in as little as 24 hours. So, contact us as soon as possible.
It depends on the extent of the damage. If the water has just started to backup, then it would take just a couple of days to fix and clean it up. On the other hand, if there is standing water and the water has caused significant damage to the structure around, then it might take as long as a month to complete resolve the issue.