There’s nothing worse than dealing with the aftermath of a sewage backup in your home. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to ensure their sewer system is functioning properly by keeping it well-maintained and keeping a close watch for the signs of needed service.

We’ll discuss how families can identify and address a sewage backup in their homes, reducing the risk of extensive damage to their properties and keeping their system in proper working order.

What Is a Sewer Backup?

Sewer backups are a common problem in South Carolina homes that occur when wastewater or sewage reverses its flow and enters the home through your plumbing fixtures, usually through drains or toilets. This can happen for several different reasons, such as a sewer line blockage, heavy rainfall or flooding, or deteriorating sewer lines.

While preventative maintenance and backwater valve installation can help reduce the risk of sewer backups in the future, it’s still important for families to be aware of the signs of needed service as ignoring this issue can have dire consequences.

Common Symptoms of a Sewer Backup

There are several signs that homeowners should look out for that will indicate they are dealing with a sewer backup issue, including:

  • Unusual Noises: Gurgling sounds in your toilets, drains, or sinks can point to sewage backflow into your plumbing fixtures.
  • Slow Draining: If the water is taking a long time to drain from you sinks and tubs, there may be a blockage that can lead to a sewage backup.
  • Foul Odors: Strong sewage or musty odors emanating from your drains can point to wastewater backup into your system.
  • Pooling Water: If you notice water pooling up around your basement floor drains, there may be a blockage in your sewer line.
  • Toilet Malfunction: When your toilet isn’t flushing properly or you experience sewer backup into the toilet, you have a serious problem on your hands.

Consequences of Ignoring a Sewer Backup

When a sewage backup appears in your home, the last thing you want to do is ignore the problem. Failing to address a sewer backup can have devastating consequences for you, your family, and your property, including:

  • Health risks: Allowing a sewage backup to go ignored can lead to the contamination of your living environment as harmful pathogens and bacteria grow rampant and cause illness and infections for your household members.
  • Property damage: Leaving a sewer backup to its own devices can lead to wastewater flooding in your home, which can lead to significant damage to your personal property and the structural integrity of your home.
  • Repair costs: Delaying a sewer backup service appointment can lead to more costly repairs and extensive damage to your plumbing system, potentially requiring fixture replacements and other more expensive services.

Immediate Steps To Take if You Suspect a Sewer Backup

The moment you detect a sewer backup in your home, the first thing you should do is prioritize safety. Avoid making contact with the sewage, as this can lead to health problems. Stop using all plumbing fixtures to prevent against exacerbating the issue, and be sure to shut off the water supply to your home at the main water valve. Finally, contact a skilled plumber to address the problem promptly and professionally.

Why Choose Our Emergency Same-Day Sewer Repairs?

At Preferred Home Services, we understand the urgency behind your sewer repair requests. That’s why we offer emergency same-day solutions to address any sewage backup issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. Offering an unparalleled commitment to your convenience and a high level of passion and care with every appointment, our technicians go above and beyond to ensure your complete peace of mind every step of the way.

Schedule same-day sewer repair services in Charleston, SC, by calling our team at (843) 405-3601 today!