The concept of standardized plumbing is ancient, dating as far back as 3000 BCE. There is no telling how many people throughout the centuries faced a plumbing overflow cleanup.
When it happens to you, there is a rush of adrenaline at first just to fix the problem. You may rush to turn off the water line. No matter what you do, the water damage is there, and afterward, it can leave a longtime, lingering feeling of frustration.
It is important that you not only clean up the damage, but you take preventative measures to stop it from happening again. Here are the details to consider with plumbing overflow.
Why Plumbing Overflow Happens
It can happen anytime. Especially if you have older sewer lines and pipes, you may not get a warning. When you experience a plumbing overflow, your bathroom or kitchen will become a colossal mess.
Unfortunately, your cabinets, floors, and walls may experience water damage too. What’s worse is that all of this can lead to mold growth.
Common Causes
First, a typical reason for plumbing overflow is that your pipes are decaying. As sewer lines age, they decay. Improper installations can cause issues too.
Too Much Slime in the Pipes
Items like toothpaste, gels, lotions, and body soaps are a part of daily hygiene, but they also create a slime that builds in your pipes. Water flow could diminish over an extended period.
It’s a lot like clogged arteries. As the buildup continues to grow, it becomes more challenging for water to make its way through. Consider routine maintenance to avoid this from happening.
Foreign Objects Get Stuck
Most plumbers will tell you that after many years in the business, nothing that gets stuck in a drain or pipe will surprise them. A toy rubber snake, a toothbrush, a sock, or anything. You name it, and it is likely it happened to someone.
How to Prevent a Plumbing Overflow
It is common for older homes to be connected to a city’s sewer system. When your home has this type of setup, and you are below street level or you are located downhill, you worry about heavy flooding occurrences. To prevent a plumbing overflow, call a professional right away to take proactive measures, such as installing backflow prevention with your sewer system.
Another way to prevent an overflowing sink is to not plant trees close to a lateral drain. You want to avoid this because the roots of a tree can damage your pipes as they continue to grow.
Also, when you have grease, do not pour it down the drain. Flushing items like baby wipes, towelettes, and sanitary products in your toilet can clog your own plumbing, but it can also clog the public sewer system. Be careful what you flush in your toilet.
Plumbing Overflow Cleanup
It’s a pain, but not to worry, ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore can help. Whether it’s your cabinets, flooring, sinks, or everything else that needs a plumbing overflow cleanup, our experts will get you back to normal. With over 50 years of experience, they have been helping people just like you with cleaning and disaster restoration.
Get clean and stay that way. Contact ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore today.
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