One of the worst things to find when you arrive home is water in your basement or in your back yard. Often when this is the discovery it is connected to some type of issue with the sewer, including a sewer backup between the main sewer line and your home.
Less commonly the main city sewer line below your home may also be broken, crushed or otherwise damaged. This is a much more significant problem since multiple homes may all be affected at once and the city will have to correct the problem before anyone will have use of the sewer system.
If you come home to a sewer backup it is important to do specific things and to also avoid doing other things. The first thing that you should do is to all a plumber, ideally a 24 hour service, which can get out there immediately and clear the blockage to allow your sewer lines to function properly.
Don’t Walk into Water
In the case of a sewer backup it is critical to remember that the water is contaminated and is full of bacteria and other potentially harmful material. Do not walk into the standing water in your basement unless you have protection in the form of waterproof boots.
However, even more important than the risk of contamination is the very real risk of electrical shock. If the water has reached the level of any plug-in or outlet in the basement or area of flooding, if any plugged in electrical appliances including heaters, baseboard heating units or any type of appliance are in water, do not step into the water under any conditions.
Gas Service
If the area of the sewer backup is near to or at any gas fueled equipment such as water heaters or furnaces immediately leave the home and call your gas company. Do not turn on a light in the area that is flooded and do not use matches, smoke a cigarette or create any type of spark or open flame in the home.
Calling a 24 hour plumbing company as soon as you see, smell or hear a sewer backup is the best way to handle the issue. They can help you determine what you should do and how you can keep your family safe until they arrive.
If you experience a sewer backup call us anytime, 24/7. We can be found online at Apexplumbingchicago.com.
