Large-scale commercial properties may suffer from a sewage backup from different scenarios, including natural disasters, clogged or damaged pipes. Unsanitary conditions can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of disease. To avoid such situations, these risks must be prevented or minimized.

This article features some insight on the risks and prevention of sewage backup in commercial properties.

What is sewer backup?

A sewer backup occurs when the water in a sewer line backs up into your home or business. This can happen if you have an older, leaky pipe that can no longer handle the amount of water it’s being called on to transport.

A sewer backup can occur at any time but is most likely during heavy rainstorms when there isn’t enough space in the paved surfaces for leakage from storm drains to spill over and into the sewers.

A common way of working sewerage backup is through sewer grates and drains, but there are times when these systems are not effective. Sewer grates are installed on top of concrete slabs, while drains are installed at the base of basement walls, and this will prevent debris from entering the drain and clogging it. With either system, multiple factors can still lead to a sewage backup.

The biggest risk is severe weather or sinkhole collapses which cause slabs to shift and allow debris into drains leading directly into basements.

More minor issues include tree roots moving across sidewalks, shifting underground flooding, broken sewer lines, and an overextended septic tank.

The most common cause is a leaky toilet located at the bottom of your basement or outside foundation wall, sinkhole collapses, or other underground flooding events that may allow untreated rainwater run-off to flow into basements via the sewer system.

Actions to take in the event of sewage backup:

You can try the following few things when there is a sewage backup in your business:

• If you have an automatic system, turn it off and ensure that all drains are clear of standing water.
• Turn off all humidifiers, space heaters, or steam systems whether you are using power or not.
• Make sure to remove the air intake vents from the top of your septic tanks regularly to minimize system spills due to ventilation
• Ensure that the fire doors are closed and locked
• Learn the warning signs of any backups (water pooling, smell in a restaurant or business) to avoid long-term damage
• Seek the assistance of registered tank cleaners to inspect your tank monthly, as these will usually be able to tell if there is something wrong with your current bacteria levels and other concerns that can lead to sewage backup
• Hire a professional sewage backup service to inspect your pipes drain lines and will work closely with you on any remediation as well as maintenance over the years

How to Handle a Sewage Backup in Your Business

Using a reputable company that provides services for sewage repairs, installation, and maintenance of your sewer system is the best way to prevent problems in the future. Unlicensed contractors can break systems due to both unsupervised work and overuse of chemicals, which can ruin sewer lines through frequent use. They also may use improper methods to fix and maintain sewage issues. A professional sewage service can take care of any backup at your home or commercial property safely and adequately. They also will keep up with regular maintenance on the sewer lines in addition to scheduled inspections.

For a complete assessment of sewer backups, it is best to call in experts who have the proper training and equipment for clean-up and restoration so that you can focus on salvageable furniture or other household items until your systems work properly again!

Commercial properties are bound to have different furniture and asset types including cubicles and drywall. Any permanent damage from sewage backup to such properties has to be addressed immediately after a detailed evaluation. This is where a reputed restoration company can be your one-stop solution.