The Culprits Behind Sewer Damage: Exploring the Causes and Solutions with SERVPRO of Metairie

Water damage restoration companies often deal with more than just floodwaters and leaky pipes. Another common source of water damage is sewer backups, which can cause serious health hazards and property damage if not addressed promptly. In this article, we'll explore the common culprits behind sewer damage and how water damage restoration services can help. 

What Causes Sewer Damage?

Sewer backups can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Clogs: The most common cause of sewer backups is clogs. When items like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and other non-biodegradable materials are flushed down the toilet, they can get caught in the pipes and create blockages. Over time, these blockages can grow larger and cause sewer backups.

Tree Roots: Tree roots can also cause sewer backups, as they can grow into the pipes and create blockages. This is especially common in older homes with clay pipes, which are more susceptible to tree root infiltration.

Broken Pipes: Broken pipes can also cause sewer backups, as they can allow soil and debris to enter the pipes and create blockages. This is particularly common in areas with shifting soil or poor installation practices.

Heavy Rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems, causing them to back up into homes and businesses. This is especially common in areas with older infrastructure that can't handle large volumes of water.

Structural Damage: Structural damage to sewer lines can also cause backups. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including earthquakes, ground settling, and even vehicle traffic.

The Dangers of Sewer Backups

Sewer backups can pose serious health hazards, as they can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants. This can lead to illness and disease if not addressed promptly. In addition to the health hazards, sewer backups can also cause significant property damage, including:

Damage to Flooring and Walls: Sewer backups can cause water damage to flooring, walls, and other surfaces in the home. This can be especially dangerous if the water contains harmful bacteria and other contaminants.

Damage to Furniture and Personal Belongings: Sewer backups can also damage furniture and personal belongings, which can be expensive to replace.

Mold Growth: Sewer backups can create the perfect environment for mold growth, which can cause a whole host of health problems.

Structural Damage: If left untreated, sewer backups can cause significant structural damage to homes and businesses.

The Importance of Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

If your home or business has suffered sewer damage, it's important to seek professional water damage restoration services as soon as possible. Water damage professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to safely and effectively remove sewage and other contaminants from your property.

In addition to removing the sewage, water damage restoration services can also:

Dry and Dehumidify: Water damage restoration professionals can use specialized equipment to dry and dehumidify affected areas, which can prevent mold growth and further damage.

Clean and Sanitize: Professionals can also clean and sanitize affected areas, which can help to eliminate harmful bacteria and other contaminants.

Repair and Restore: Water damage professionals can also repair and restore damaged areas, helping to prevent future water damage and restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

Sewer backups can be a serious and unpleasant problem, but with the help of professional water damage restoration services, they can be safely and effectively addressed. If your home or business has suffered sewer damage, don't hesitate to contact a water damage restoration company that specializes in sewer damage cleanup. With the right expertise and equipment, your property can be restored to its pre-damage condition and you can have peace of mind knowing that your living or working space is safe and free from potential health hazards.

At SERVPRO of Metairie, we have the necessary experience, equipment, and expertise to handle any type of water damage restoration, including sewer damage cleanup. We understand that sewer backups can happen at any time, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services to ensure that our clients receive prompt and efficient restoration services when they need them the most.

If you need professional water damage restoration services for your property in Metairie, Louisiana or surrounding areas, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Metairie. We are here to help you get your property back to its pre-damage condition and restore your peace of mind.