Anytime there is a flood, it is bad. However, when this flood happens to come from a sewer backup, it is even worse. It is worse. They can usually be prevented, and worse because they can cause so much damage to finished basements.
Just imagine that you have just completed the beautiful basement in your home only mere months ago,o when suddenly all have your work ruined by a sewage backup. This backup does more than stop up the toilet or flood the yard with nasty septic tank waste. No, this backup floods the entire basement with water and sewage. Moreover, it does not even have to be deep to cause dramatic damage.
Suddenly, there is filth all over the base of the walls, maybe higher in some places. The sheetrock begins to mold and crumble apart, there is likely insulation from behind the walls all over the place, and do not even think about all of the hazardous waste that is spewed all over everything. Who would want to think about how to tackle a tough clean-up job like that, especially since the health of the entire family may be at stake if it is not done correctly?
That is exactly why companies like this are here to do the job for you. They come into your sewage-rampaged home and restore it to its former cleanliness. They are experts at restoring nasty, ruined basements to a finished product. In addition, the best part is that your homeowners’ insurance is likely to cover even this type of damage.
One of the smartest steps a homeowner can take is to install a backwater valve. This valve helps stop sewage from flowing back into your basement during heavy rains or system overloads. Many cities even offer rebates for installing this device, especially in flood-prone areas. It’s a small investment that can save thousands in repair costs and help protect your finished basement from future damage.
You should also inspect your sump pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly. If your sump pump fails during a storm or backup, water will rise quickly. A battery backup system for your pump is a good safety measure to consider, especially if your area experiences power outages during storms.
It’s also a good idea to avoid flushing wipes, grease, or paper towels down the toilet. These items build up in the sewer lines and increase the chances of a backup. Keep drains clean and call a professional plumber for regular inspections of your sewer lines.
Finished basements are a big investment. Protecting that investment means taking preventive steps before a backup ever happens. With good maintenance and preparation, you can lower the risk of facing this kind of stressful and expensive disaster.
One of the smartest steps a homeowner can take is to install a backwater valve. This valve helps stop sewage from flowing back into your basement during heavy rains or system overloads. Many cities even offer rebates for installing this device, especially in flood-prone areas. It’s a small investment that can save thousands in repair costs and help protect your finished basement from future damage.
You should also inspect your sump pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly. If your sump pump fails during a storm or backup, water will rise quickly. A battery backup system for your pump is a good safety measure to consider, especially if your area experiences power outages during storms.
It’s also a good idea to avoid flushing wipes, grease, or paper towels down the toilet. These items build up in the sewer lines and increase the chances of a backup. Keep drains clean and call a professional plumber for regular inspections of your sewer lines.
Finished basements are a big investment. Protecting that investment means taking preventive steps before a backup ever happens. With good maintenance and preparation, you can lower the risk of facing this kind of stressful and expensive disaster.
Moral of the story–if you have never experienced this type of catastrophe, you now know all about it. If you are unsure whether or not your insurance will take care of the cleanup and restoration after such an emergency, check your policy before it happens to you. You never know when you might have to be the one to deal with a sewage disaster.
