Sewer Backup & Cleanup
Sewer Backup & Cleanup in Port Coquitlam
We provide emergency sewer backup water damage services, specialty cleaning, and post-emergency repairs. We’re here to help 24/7.
At Montia Restoration, we specialize in sewer backup cleanup. You may have water damage from a burst pipe, clogged sink, clogged drain, clogged toilet, sewer blockages, or sewer backup. Whatever your water damage issue, we are here to help. With more than 10 years of experience, Montia Restoration is a leader in the restoration industry.
Sewage is not only unpleasant to deal with, but it can also be dangerous. Needless to say, wastewater is horribly odorful and is filled with contaminants and biohazard risks – in addition to the other damage caused from the flooding. Sewer backups need to be cleaned up as soon possible, whether it’s from a toilet flooding or a septic backup. Because of the unique dangers posed by sewage flooding, immediate action is needed to minimize damage, drain the waters, and decontaminate and clean the affected areas.
At Montia Restoration, our team of restoration experts understand that the process for decontamination requires specialized treatment to ensure proper disinfection. This is important as sewage damage left untreated or not treated properly can cause serious health problems for people, particularly children and people with weakened immune systems.
What Causes Sewer Backup?
Home sewer backups are usually caused by human error, but there are other factors to consider. These are the most common causes:
- Flushing items down the toilet that you shouldn’t, such as feminine hygiene products, wipes, paper towels, and other items.
- Clogging pipes with fat, oil, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other foods.
- Roots from bushes or trees planted near sewer lines can infiltrate the sewer lines.
- Heavy rainstorms or heavy snowmelts can divert excess water to sewer systems.
- Aging and deteriorating pipes that have breaks or fractures in the sewer lines.
- Aging infrastructure can also be a cause of sewer backups into the home from the main sewer line.
Sewer Backup Causes Many Problems
Not only do you have to clean up the water damage, but sewer backup can also cause damage to your home and personal items. The cleanup process can be long, inconvenient, messy, and not to mention costly. If the sewage water is not cleaned up promptly and thoroughly, mold can start to grow as well. Sewage water can also contain bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other toxins that can make people sick.
Preventing Sewer Backup
Prevention is always the best remedy for a problem. Still, there are no guarantees, and even when taking every precaution, sewer backups may occur. We have compiled a list of recommendations to follow to best prevent sewer backup. Follow these tips for a better chance of avoiding a sewer backup.
- Only flush toilet paper.
- Do not put fat, grease, or oil down your drain.
- Keep sewer lines clear of tree roots.
- Replace old plumbing pipes.
- Install a sewer backup valve.
- Install an exterior cleanout.
- Avoid connecting downspouts, French drains, sump pumps, or flood control systems to the sewer line.
- Have plumbing and sewer lines inspected by a professional.
- Elevate the house drain.
Sewer Backup Cleanup Port Coquitlam
A quick response is required to repair the water damage issue and reduce cleanup costs and health hazards. Our sewage damage cleanup includes:
Assessing sewage damage – our restoration team will quickly assess and identify the cause of the water damage and create a plan to fix the issue.
Sewage water extraction – our restoration team will safely extract all the sewage water and dispose of any materials that are non-salvageable.
Drying and dehumidifying from moisture damage – we use professional drying and dehumidifying equipment to dry and dehumidify all excess moisture from your property.
Complete restoration – once the property is completely dried, our restoration experts will complete all required repairs to return your property back to normal.
Sewer Backup & Cleanup FAQs
How do I clean up my yard after sewer backup?
Answer
If you have experienced a sewer backup in your yard, removal and cleanup of sewage water are essential. Once the sewage water has been removed, wash all contaminated surfaces with a solution made up of warm soapy water. Then disinfect the surfaces with a bleach-water combination.
How to clean up a basement after sewer backup?
Answer
If you have a sewer backup in your basement, we recommend that you contact a professional restoration company to help you with the cleanup. Here are some other recommendations that you should take:
- Call a professional restoration company.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Stay out of the sewage water.
- Turn off the gas.
- Turn off the electricity.
- Do not turn on any appliances that use water.
- Open windows to circulate clean air into the basement.
- Wait for the restoration company to arrive.
Can backed up sewers cause mold?
Answer
Mold problems caused by sewer backup are significant, but not uncommon. Mold grows quickly and easily anywhere there is moisture. A sewer backup can quickly cause mold problems if the moisture isn’t addressed quickly and thoroughly.
Is sewer backup a health hazard?
Answer
Sewer backup releases physical, air-borne contaminants. Inhaling these vapours can lead to a variety of symptoms, including cramping, vomiting, fever, and severe forms of gastroenteritis.
Is sewer backup covered by homeowners’ insurance?
Answer
No, a homeowners insurance policy does not automatically include sewer backup coverage. However, many home insurance companies offer it as an optional coverage, or endorsement, which is an add-on to the standard homeowners insurance policy.
Can rain cause the sewer to back up?
Answer
When there are heavy rains or rapid snowmelt, an abundance of water and debris end up in municipal sanitary sewers, which overloads the sewer system. If it’s more water than the sewer system can handle, excess water can flow backward into your home’s sewer line and subsequently overflow into your basement.
What are signs of sewer backup?
Answer
Early signs of sewer backup:
- Gurgling sounds coming from a drain.
- Unusual odours coming from the sinks, showers, or drains.
- One or more drains moving slower than usual.
- Water backup into the shower or tub.
Safety Training
We have 25 years experience in restoration. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as a Master Fire and Smoke Restorer and a Master Water Restorer. This is the highest educational designation you can achieve in the industry. We receive specialized training in things like hazmat, asbestos identification and confined space safety.
