What do you do if you are suddenly faced with an overflowing toilet or sink? What happens if the drainage system in your bathroom begins to work in reverse? The first thing that usually comes to mind is to call sewage backup cleanup services. But what can you do before these experts arrive at your location?
Well consider these three situations that could warrant the need for sewage backup cleanup services and what you can do to keep them under control before the help arrives.
An Overflowing Toilet
There are several reasons why your toilet could overflow. One common reason however is a clogged pipe that has resulted from you dumping down materials other than tissues paper and feces down the toilet.
When this is the case however, it would be wise to first of all close off any source of water to the toilet tank. You can do this by using the water valve control that is normally situated on the wall behind the toilet. After this is done, you might have to lift the lid of the toilet tank and lift the float ball inside it up. This is done so that whatever water that is left in the tank doesn’t still flow into the toilet bowl.
Having done the above, you can then remove excess water into a bucket so it doesn’t flow into other parts of your home. At this point you have avoided any further damage and you can wait for professional sewage backup cleanup service to arrive.
An Overflowing Sink
If you detect that your drainage has become clogged and you are faced with an overflowing kitchen or bathroom sink, what you want to do first is block the overflow hole. This you can do with a rag or duct tape.
You can then try to unclog the drain yourself with plungers (avoid using chemical if you don’t intend changing your pipes anytime soon). If this fails, then you should call on plumber to help you out.
An Overflowing Bathtub
Granted, it could be difficult to notice that your bathtub isn’t working well when you are taking a bath. However, if you notice that the water level has risen up to your ankle, then you should check it out. If it turns out to be a clog, then do these:
- Close up the overflow hole as stated above.
- Take out excess water from the tub into a bucket if there is a need to.
- Try to plunge the clog out of the way.
- If the plunge doesn’t work, then call a plumber.
In most cases sewage backups are as a result of clogged pipes. Often times, these clogs are caused by materials that are not easily or speedily disintegrated by water. Items such as hair, cosmetics, sanitary products and plastic bags among others are often the culprits. With kitchen sinks, it could be cooking grease that has solidified and accumulated overtime.
However, in other cases, it could be the intrusion of a tree root into your pipe that has caused your sewage backup problem. Whatever the case is calling for professional sewage backup cleanup services will get your drainage working properly again in no time.
