An overpowering stench wafted through your property, its acrid fumes causing you to squint and rub at your eyes. With the urgent need to locate the source of this foulness, you made haste around each room and hallway until a dark pool splashed against your shoe. You could not believe what lay before you: Wastewater flooding because of a clogged sewer line!
Don’t let distress set in; act swiftly and decisively to keep the issue from escalating. This blog post provides you with 3 steps to respond immediately during a drainage emergency. Follow these instructions to keep everything under control.
Remember These Steps
1. Ensure Personal and Family Safety
- Remove Children and Pets: Move them to a safe, clean area away from contaminated water. They are more susceptible to illness caused by bacteria or toxins in wastewater.
- Avoid Direct Contact: Keep yourself protected by avoiding direct contact with wastewater. If you must enter the area, wear rubber gloves, boots, and a mask.
2. Stop Using Water
- Cease all water usage in the house to prevent additional flooding. This includes toilets, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers.
3. Turn Off Electricity (If Safe to Do So)
- If the wastewater has reached electrical outlets or appliances, shut off power to the affected area immediately. Contact an electrician to inspect and restore power safely.
4. Block the Area to Prevent Spread
- Use towels, sandbags, or barriers to contain the wastewater and prevent it from seeping into unaffected rooms or areas.
5. Call a Professional
- Contact a licensed plumber or sewer line clearing service immediately. They have the tools, like hydro jetting, to remove blockages quickly and safely.
Keep an Eye on Warning Signs
Now that you’ve learned how to tackle the main aspects of this issue let us provide a few explanations as to why your drain can be blocked to the point of flooding your property:
Outside: Tree Roots
Roots growing into pipes are a common cause of blockages. Schedule regular inspections to catch issues early.
Bathroom: Hair and Soap Residue
These can accumulate in drains over time, leading to slow drainage and clogs. Use drain covers to catch debris.
Kitchen: Food Waste
Avoid disposing of oils, fats, or food scraps in the sink. These substances solidify and obstruct pipes over time.
This Is a Critical Situation; Treat It As One
End the worry and stress of a dead-end situation with Martins Pumping Service Team. We have over 50 years of expertise and advanced technology and procedures to ensure your sewer lines are cleared quickly and efficiently. You can trust our service for a dependable result in an unclogging main sewer line process.
Contact us today to get a full repair of your sewage system with our guidance in every step of the way.