What’s worse than a burst water pipe? That’s easy — a backed up sewer.
These plumbing disasters have all the water damage of a freshwater leak, plus they’re just plain gross. These smelly overflows are generally caused by blockages, whether inside your home or in the lines that connect your home to the main sewer.
The Brooklyn plumbers at Petri Plumbing & Heating are ready to help you diagnose and stop sewer overflows no matter what time of day. We have emergency service 24/7, since you never know when disaster will strike. But before we get there and after we’ve fixed the problem, there are some steps you should take to keep yourself and your family safe.
When you experience a sewer overflow, stop using your indoor plumbing immediately or you’ll just make the problem worse.
Put on boots, rubber gloves and eye protection before dealing with the results of a sewer overflow. Wash clothing and your body immediately after you’re done.
It’s possible that the problem is localized, just a blockage in a single toilet or sink. Check to see if this is the case by using a professional-grade plunger. If this doesn’t work, call a professional.
Water and electricity don’t mix. If the overflow is large enough to leave standing water in your basement or the lower level of your home, shut your home’s power off if you can do so safely.
If possible, open windows and let fresh air into the flooded area. This also allows fumes and odors to escape.
Of course, you should call a plumber to fix the blockage, but while you’re at it call a professional clean-up company to remove the waste from your home and remediate any mold or other damage the overflow may have caused.
You can diagnose and prevent sewer overflows before they strike with a sewer inspection by Petri Plumbing & Heating. Our video sewer inspection service will how the exact location of sewer pipe problems before they turn into overflows.
In the meantime, be careful with what you put down the drain. Grease, oils, fats, feminine products and “flushable” bathroom wipes can all contribute to overflows.
To schedule a sewer inspection or for help with a clogged sewer line, call us today at (718) 748-1254 or contact Petri Plumbing & Heating online.
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